Nigerian troops have rescued a 28-year-old woman from a suspected criminal hideout in Tse-Ubena village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and detained two suspects, the army said Tuesday.
Mrs. Member Ityavber has been reunited with her family and is receiving care, according to a statement from the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE.
The military says it is continuing to pursue other members of the group believed to be responsible for her abduction.
In a separate operation the same day, soldiers acting on intelligence reports about armed herders in the Gwer West Local Government Area searched communities in Mbapa and Mbabuande.
Troops discovered what they described as an abandoned criminal hideout before arresting two suspects during further searches along River Akpako. The suspects are being held for questioning.
Benue State has for years been at the centre of deadly conflicts between farmers and predominantly Fulani herders, violence that has displaced thousands and claimed hundreds of lives.
Security forces have struggled to contain the crisis, which human rights groups say has worsened in recent years.
The JTF’s Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised his troops for their “prompt response and professionalism,” and said the military remained committed to stabilising the region ahead of the farming season a period that has historically seen a sharp rise in intercommunal tensions and attacks.
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