…Operation Whirlwind Stroke issues safe advisory to marine stakeholders

Sustained ground and air offensives have forced ISWAP terrorists to abandon their positions around the Lake Chad region, paving the way for 47 kidnapped victims, mostly women and children to escape from prolonged captivity in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026.

In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Capt. Mohammed Goni, said troops have rescued the victims.

“The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” Goni said.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Component of Operation Whirlwind Stroke (OPWS) in Benue, has issued safety advisory to boat operators, passengers, and residents conducting economic activities along inland waterways in the Joint Operations Area as the rainy season has resulted in a significant rise in water levels.

The Acting Media Information Officer, OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said in a statement that the advisory became imperative following increase in water volume, often accompanied by strong current and turbulence, which may pose serious risks to water transportation and other riverine activities.

The statement advised all mariners and boat operators to strictly adhere to the following safety precautions:

“All passengers and mariners are mandated to wear life jackets at all times while on board, boat operators and boat owners are to ensure that at least one life buoy is available on board, overloading of boats beyond approved carrying capacities is prohibited, and essential safety and emergency equipment, including functional torchlights, extra spark plugs, and tarpaulins, are to be carried on board.”

It also advised mariners to desist from polluting waterways with non-biodegradable materials and other waste products.

“All maritime unions are to enforce the prohibition of night sailing. Marine operations are strictly restricted to the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily for security reasons, all boat operators must register with their respective unions and carry valid means of identification while operating on the waterways, and members of riverine communities are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious or criminal activities to relevant law enforcement agencies.”