Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI under Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have apprehended three suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition during ongoing pre-wet season clearance operations in the Agasha general area.
According to a press statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the operation was carried out on 26 March 2026 as part of intensified efforts to secure farming communities ahead of the wet season.
The statement said troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of suspected terrorists in the Agasha axis. On arrival at the location, the troops tactically advanced and swiftly cordoned off the area, resulting in the arrest of three suspects identified as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, and Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 27 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, one Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, 10 sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms.
The suspects are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation and are expected to be handed over for prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
Lieutenant Zubairu noted that troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE remain on an aggressive operational footing across the Joint Operations Area, sustaining clearance missions and area domination patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and improve security conditions ahead of the farming season.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and steadfast commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens across the area of responsibility.
The latest success underscores Operation WHIRL STROKE’s sustained push to neutralize threats in vulnerable communities and create a safer environment for agricultural activities as the rainy season approaches.
