Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended troops of Operation Whirl Stroke for rescuing kidnapped passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.
Atiku praised the courage and professionalism of the military personnel who successfully freed the abducted victims, including young students.
“Their sacrifice and vigilance continue to inspire hope across our nation,” Atiku said, while also calling for strengthened security architecture to ensure Nigerians can travel without fear.
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 13 passengers abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus on April 15, 2026. The victims were recovered in the early hours of Sunday from a forest in Okete Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. They were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Otukpo for medical attention.
Three of the initially abducted passengers had earlier escaped and reunited with their families, while security forces continue efforts to locate any remaining victims.
Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the kidnapping following a coordinated joint security operation. The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
While initial reports suggested the victims were UTME candidates, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board clarified that the travellers were not candidates writing the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin stated that the victims were participants in a police recruitment exercise who were returning to their base in Otukpo when the incident occurred.
However, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has called on JAMB to reschedule examinations for eight students who he maintains were among the abducted candidates.
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