Troops Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Benue Operation

Troops Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Benue Operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation at Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint, following credible intelligence on planned kidnapping activities.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the operation was carried out on July 2, 2026, after troops deployed at Kyado swiftly responded to intelligence indicating the presence of armed criminals in the area.

On reaching the location, the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, during which one of the suspects was neutralised.

The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.

Operation WHIRL STROKE said preliminary findings indicate that the neutralised suspect may have belonged to the group responsible for the attack on commuters on July 1, 2026, in which the former Secretary to the Benue State Government sustained a gunshot injury.

The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, urging them to sustain aggressive operations against criminal groups across the Joint Operations Area.

He also praised other security agencies for their continued collaboration and intelligence sharing, describing inter-agency cooperation as vital to restoring lasting peace and security.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all intelligence received would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.

Troops Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Benue Operation