Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against armed criminality in Benue State, neutralizing one suspected bandit and recovering a cache of weapons during a clearance operation in Mararaba Gbagir community.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the operation was carried out on Tuesday, 30 July 2025, following credible intelligence reports on the presence of armed elements in the area.
The troops encountered resistance upon arrival but swiftly engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the death of one criminal. Several others reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the operation include six AK-47 magazines, three 9mm rounds, two 7.62mm special rounds, a locally fabricated gun, and a locally made pistol. The troops also destroyed charms and shrines believed to be used for criminal activities.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery, discipline, and precision. He urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and stability in Benue State and the broader Joint Operations Area.
General Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while calling on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence.