Troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have rescued three kidnapped victims following an operation along the Ogobia-Otukpo axis of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The rescue operation was carried out at about 8 a.m. on August 14, 2026, by troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Otukpo, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The development was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday night.

According to the report, the troops were alerted to a kidnapping incident in the area and immediately moved to the scene.

“On arrival, the security personnel found a bus abandoned by the suspected kidnappers, with no passengers inside.

“The troops then launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

“During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned three victims, who were rescued by the troops,” Makama wrote.

Makama also revealed that the driver of the bus was found with a gunshot wound sustained during the attack.

The rescued victims were handed over to the police for further action, while security operatives continued efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects.

A 25-year-old suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighter has surrendered to troops in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State after spending about eight months with the terrorist group.

The development was reported by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, citing military sources.

The surrendered fighter was identified as Ali Gambo Kanuri, a native of Ngarinna village in Monguno LGA.

According to the report, Gambo joined the terrorist group about eight months ago after he was introduced by a friend.

Makama said he later became disillusioned with life inside the group and decided to leave.

“The former fighter was subsequently transferred to the appropriate authorities for further action in line with established procedures for persons who voluntarily disengage from terrorist groups,” the report stated.

Gambo reportedly made his way out of the terrorist-controlled area and surrendered to troops in Monguno town, where he was taken into custody for further processing.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer after tear gas was accidentally discharged at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.

Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing a tense scene as residents confronted police officers and accused them of using tear gas to disrupt voting.

However, the police said the incident did not occur at a polling unit and was not an attempt to scare voters away.

In a statement shared on X on Saturday, the command said the tear gas was released due to the negligence of an officer who was trying to ease himself.

“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident did not take place at any polling unit. It occurred at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) and was the result of negligence on the part of an officer who was attempting to ease himself,” the statement said.

The police condemned the officer’s action and confirmed that he had been arrested while an investigation was underway.

“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the command said.

The police dismissed claims that the tear gas was deliberately released to frighten voters and disrupt the election.

It also reminded the public that police officers deployed to polling units are not allowed to carry arms or tactical equipment within the designated area around voting points.