The search for the kidnapped Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon Mathew Abo, has been reinforced with the deployment of Operation Whirl Stroke troops.
According to an insider within the operation who spoke to journalists on Saturday, troops were cooperating with the heads of other affiliated security agencies.
The source who did not want to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the operation said, ‘Officers and men of OPWS and other security agencies have been charged to work assiduously towards ensuring that they rescue the kidnapped commissioner from the hands of his abductors.’
The source added, ‘Heads of other security agencies in concert with the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia have vowed that they would not rest on their oars until the commissioner regains his freedom.’
Regarding the kidnappers’ ransom demand, the military official clarified that Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and the military as a whole strictly adhere to a no-negotiation policy with terrorists and bandits.
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He said, ‘Our men are already combing the surrounding area and forests and in no distant future, you will hear good news.’
‘We are doing everything in conjunction with other security agencies in the Joint Operations Area to rescue the Hon Commissioner.’
‘Details of our efforts cannot be divulged for obvious reasons.’
According to information provided by a family source to journalists on Friday, the abductors had asked for a N60 million ransom.
Abo’s abduction occurred last Sunday at his residence in Zaki Biam, located within the Ukum local government area of the state.
SP Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the state police command, verified that the search operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies.
‘It is a joint operation in search of the abducted commissioner which involved the military, we are all together,’ Anene said.