Operation Whirl Stroke Troops Rescue Abducted Nigerian Air Force Personnel in Benue State

Operation Whirl Stroke troops successfully recover a kidnapped NAF personnel in the Tor Donga area of Benue after a 24-hour search operation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 8:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Successful Rescue Operation in Tor Donga

In a swift tactical response, troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued a personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who had been seized by suspected militia members. The rescue operation took place at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Monday, April 27, within the Tor Donga general area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. The officer had been reported missing just 24 hours prior, prompting an immediate security alert across the volatile region known for militia activity.

Intelligence-Led Mobilization and Pursuit

Following the abduction, security sources confirmed that military intelligence provided critical leads on the kidnappers' movement. Operation Whirl Stroke units conducted extensive search-and-rescue sweeps across several neighboring communities and through dense bush paths used as transit routes by armed groups. This high-pressure environment forced the captors to abandon their victim, allowing the troops to recover the NAF personnel unharmed.

Ongoing Manhunt for Militia Members

While the officer is now in safe custody, the military has intensified its efforts to apprehend the individuals behind the abduction. Local security sources indicate that the militia responsible is believed to be operating within the Katsina-Ala axis, a region that has faced intermittent security challenges from armed gangs. Operation Whirl Stroke has maintained a "strong presence" in the area, with increased patrols designed to disrupt criminal hideouts and prevent retaliatory strikes against local residents.