By Nkechi Eze
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), Major General Moses Kolo Gara, on Friday, June 27, 2025, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Headquarters of 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, Nasarawa State, in a move aimed at reinforcing inter-state military collaboration and operational synergy in Nigeria’s North Central region.
The visit also extended to the Headquarters of Sector 2 and the Sub-Sector 2 Outpost under OPWS, where Major General Gara engaged with frontline troops, emphasizing the importance of discipline, continuous training, and personal development in the execution of their duties.
According to an official signed statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the Force Commander was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Quarter Guard mounted in his honour by the troops of the 4 Special Forces Command.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Gara expressed deep appreciation for the support and camaraderie extended to OPWS by the Commander of 4 SF Command, Major General Hilary Nzan, since his assumption of duty. He commended General Nzan for his enduring professionalism and unwavering partnership in counterinsurgency and internal security operations across the region.
“I am here to express my utmost respect and appreciation. Since my assumption of duty, it has been a turbulent ride operationally, but you have continually stood as a guide and mentor. I have always held you in high esteem, right from our formative years at the Nigerian Defence Academy,” Major General Gara remarked.
He described his host as a pillar of strength and a dependable ally in the shared mission to secure the lives and properties of citizens in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
In his response, Major General Hilary Nzan affirmed the significance of the visit, noting that it went beyond official protocol to reflect a deep professional and personal bond. He emphasized the crucial role Operation WHIRL STROKE continues to play in stabilizing the region, particularly in confronting armed banditry, militia violence, and other emerging threats.
“Operation WHIRL STROKE was initiated to project military presence and deliver decisive action against criminal elements within the North Central zone. There is no boundary between OPWS and 4 SF Command; our doors remain open to support your mission in any capacity,” General Nzan stated.
He further urged OPWS Sector Commanders to sustain inter-agency cooperation and ensure that all military operations are conducted with a high degree of professionalism, coordination, and adherence to the core values of the Nigerian Army. While commending Major General Gara’s proactive leadership, General Nzan called for continued coordination to effectively address the evolving security dynamics in the region.
