Determined to secure agricultural zones ahead of the upcoming planting cycle, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a targeted raid in Benue State.
The operation, conducted on March 26, 2026, by the COAS Intervention Battalion XI, focused on clearing identified flashpoints within the Agasha general area. Acting on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed elements, the troops executed a tactical cordon-and-search manoeuvre that led to the successful arrest of the suspects.
The Nigerian Army identified those in custody as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko, both hailing from Nasarawa State, and Abdulkareem Haruna, a resident of Jos.
Beyond the seizure of the AK-47 rifle, the military recovered two magazines, twenty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a cutlass, and various personal items, including a mobile phone and assorted charms. Army officials confirmed that the suspects remain in custody for preliminary investigation before being handed over for prosecution.
Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, praised the unit’s execution of the mission.
“I commend our troops for their professionalism, resilience, and continued sacrifice in safeguarding law-abiding citizens within the Joint Operations Area,” General Gara stated.
The military high command emphasised that this “pre-wet season offensive” is designed to dominate the environment and deny criminal elements the freedom of movement necessary to disrupt farming activities.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer for the headquarters, noted that troops would maintain an aggressive operational posture to ensure a secure environment for residents as the farming season approaches.
