Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling a suspected illicit drug network during operations conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops carried out a series of intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area.
The statement disclosed that on May 24, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Upon arrival, soldiers found two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.
“A manhunt for the assailants is ongoing,” the statement said.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle. Two of the suspects were neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and ₦39,950 in cash were recovered from the scene.
The operation continued on May 25 when troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The kidnappers reportedly abandoned two victims and fled after encountering the troops.
“One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families,” the statement added.
In a separate operation targeting criminal networks that allegedly sustain violent crimes in the region, troops uncovered a suspected drug trafficking syndicate. A search conducted on a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 led to the recovery of 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs and ₦781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation on May 27 resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers. Security personnel also recovered more suspected narcotics, a motorcycle and ₦40,000 in cash.
The statement noted that the suspects are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In another operation carried out 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 raid, two bandits were neutralised, while ammunition and other related items were recovered.
Reacting to the successes, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their commitment and professionalism.
He urged personnel to maintain the operational tempo and intensify efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.
“The Force Commander also appealed to communities to report all suspected criminal elements to law enforcement and security agencies for appropriate action,” the statement said.
Major General Gara further warned individuals providing information or support to criminal groups to desist from such activities or face the consequences of their actions.
