Operation Whirl Stroke Troops Neutralise Four Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Benue, Taraba
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling a suspected drug trafficking network.
The operations were conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops responded on May 24 to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Upon arrival, soldiers found two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment. A manhunt has since been launched to track down the attackers.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops responded to an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road. The security personnel engaged the criminals in a gun battle, neutralising two armed robbers and recovering an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and N39,950 in cash.
In another operation on May 25, troops acted on a kidnapping report along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The abductors reportedly abandoned two victims and fled upon sighting the troops. One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
The operation also targeted criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking. Troops conducting intelligence-led operations recovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs and N781,000 in cash from a vehicle intercepted in Makurdi on May 23.
A follow-up operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug traffickers, with security personnel recovering more illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 in cash.
The suspects are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In the latest operation conducted on May 31, troops acting on intelligence raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
During the operation, two bandits were neutralised, while ammunition and other related items were recovered from the enclave.
Commending the troops for their achievements, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, urged personnel to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations against criminal elements.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information on the activities of criminals.
The Force Commander warned individuals providing information or assistance to criminal groups to desist from such activities or face the consequences of the law.
Operation Whirl Stroke Troops Neutralise Four Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Benue, Taraba