OPWS Disrupts Kidnappers’ Roadblock, Neutralises Suspected Bandit, Arrests Two in Benue

OPWS Disrupts Kidnappers’ Roadblock, Neutralises Suspected Bandit, Arrests Two in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers and bandits in separate operations across Benue State, neutralising one suspected bandit and arresting two alleged kidnappers.

In the first operation, troops acting on credible intelligence on 19 August 2026 mobilised to the Jortar–Atume axis, where a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates were reportedly operating an illegal checkpoint.

Upon arrival in the area, the troops encountered the suspected criminals, leading to a gun battle during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga,” was neutralised.

Other members of the group reportedly fled the scene, abandoning a motorcycle, which was subsequently recovered by the troops.

In a separate operation carried out the same day, OPWS troops deployed in Logo Local Government Area arrested two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village following information received from a credible source.

The suspects were identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32. According to the task force, the suspects allegedly confessed to an attempted kidnapping of Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of Gou Village.

Items recovered from the suspects included one locally fabricated pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno feature phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms.

The two suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and disrupting the activities of criminal elements across its area of responsibility.

The force also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality in Benue State.

OPWS Disrupts Kidnappers’ Roadblock, Neutralises Suspected Bandit, Arrests Two in Benue