Troops Rescue Two Kidnapped Immigration Officers In Benue

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) who were abducted by suspected bandits in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The officers, identified as David Iorwuese James and Orasuur Oliver, were reportedly kidnapped a few weeks ago near the Benue–Taraba border, an area notorious for criminal activities including armed robbery, kidnapping, and communal clashes.

According to a military source, the rescue operation was launched on Friday, 26th September 2025, following credible intelligence received from relevant security channels about the captives’ location. Troops of OPWS, in a coordinated offensive, stormed the hideout and engaged the abductors, leading to the successful rescue of the officers.

The victims were immediately taken to a secure location for medical evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with their families and the Immigration Service.

The Force Commander, OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, reiterating the military’s commitment to eliminating criminal elements and restoring peace across Benue and neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their network within the border communities.

The rescue underscores the ongoing collaboration between the military and other security agencies to curb insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.