Army Boosts Whirl Stroke with 300 Troops, Combat Gear to Tackle Insecurity in North Central
By Matthew Eloyi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has deployed an additional 300 troops and delivered key combat enablers to enhance the effectiveness of Operation Whirl Stroke in the North Central region.
A credible military source, who requested anonymity, revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the latest deployment is a strategic effort to reinforce security and operational capabilities in the region plagued by insecurity.
According to the source, the deployment includes mobility and protective assets aimed at improving troop mobility, enabling rapid response, and increasing overall effectiveness in dealing with emerging threats.
During his recent visit to Benue State, the Army Chief presented a consignment of operational equipment at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi.
The source said, “These assets are designed to improve tactical agility, force protection, and combat readiness, particularly in difficult and rugged terrains where asymmetric threats are prevalent.”
Items delivered include over 100 motorcycles, troop-carrying vehicles (TCVs), and personal protective equipment, which are expected to strengthen the army’s mobility and tactical advantage in combat operations.
While in Makurdi, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede reassured the people of Benue and the wider North Central region of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability. He also paid a courtesy visit to the state government, where he extended condolences over recent violent attacks that claimed lives and destroyed property.
He directed the immediate review of existing operational strategies and the reinforcement of troops in volatile areas, signaling a proactive approach by the army to confront security threats head-on.
The Army Chief emphasized that under his leadership, efforts to protect lives and property would be intensified.
“This decision reflects the Army’s responsive approach to evolving security challenges and its resolve to dismantle armed groups terrorizing local communities,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the COAS for the timely intervention and assured that the newly inducted assets would be rapidly integrated into ongoing operations.
He said the assets would “expand operational reach, enhance situational awareness, and strengthen troop morale.”
This latest intervention underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security, peacebuilding, and the creation of an enabling environment for socio-economic development across the region.
Launched on May 18, 2018, Operation Whirl Stroke was designed to combat the activities of armed herdsmen and militia groups operating in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Zamfara states.
