Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have disrupted a suspected kidnappers’ roadblock in Benue State, neutralised one suspected bandit and apprehended two suspected kidnappers in separate operations.
The operations were conducted on August 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements operating in parts of the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops moved swiftly to the Jortar–Atume axis after receiving information about a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates operating an illegal checkpoint in the area.
The statement said the troops encountered the criminals on arrival, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga”, was neutralised.
It added that other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle which was subsequently recovered by the troops.
In a separate operation the same day, troops deployed in Logo Local Government Area, acting on credible information, apprehended two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village.
The suspects were identified as 44-year-old Terhile Iyo and 32-year-old Vershima Emmanuel.
According to the JTF, the suspects reportedly confessed to attempting to kidnap Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of Gou Village.
Items recovered from the suspects included one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms.
“The suspects remain in military custody for further exploitation,” the statement said.
The JTF reassured law-abiding residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across its area of operation.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
