Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded significant operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and dismantling a suspected illicit drug network.
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, detailing operations conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
According to the statement, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24. Upon arrival, soldiers found two injured residents who were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment. A manhunt has since been launched to apprehend the attackers.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acted on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road and engaged the suspects in a firefight. Two armed robbers were neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and ₦39,950 in cash.
The statement further revealed that on May 25, troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The troops intercepted the abductors, forcing them to abandon two victims and flee the scene. One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
In a separate operation targeting criminal networks that fuel violent crimes in the region, troops conducted intelligence-led operations against a suspected illicit drug syndicate. A search of a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 led to the recovery of 641 pieces of illicit drugs and ₦781,000 in cash.
A follow-up raid on May 27 resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers. Troops also recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 during the operation. The suspects are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In the latest operation, conducted on May 31, troops acting on intelligence raided a suspected bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. During the operation, two bandits were neutralised, while ammunition and other related items were recovered.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their commitment and urged them to sustain the momentum against criminal elements.
He also appealed to residents to provide timely information to security agencies and warned individuals who assist criminals with information or logistics to desist, noting that such activities could attract serious consequences.
