By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded another major success in Benue State, foiling the plans of armed bandits and recovering dangerous weapons during a series of operations in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. The operations, conducted between September 26 and 28, 2025, further strengthened the confidence of residents in the ability of security forces to restore peace in the region.
In an official statement signed by Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the military revealed that the first breakthrough came on September 26, when troops deployed at Abaji received credible intelligence on the movement of a group of bandits at Agurugu village. Acting on the report, the troops mobilized swiftly and made contact with the armed criminals at Sheekan village. Confronted with the superior firepower of the soldiers, the bandits fled in disarray, abandoning their weapons and valuables.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, thirty-three 7.62mm special ammunition, fifteen 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine mobile phones left behind by the fleeing criminals.
Two days later, on September 28, troops deployed at Gbise launched a fighting patrol towards Igyudu village following fresh reports of banditry in the area. On sighting the approaching troops, the bandits once again abandoned their positions and fled. The soldiers combed through the entire village and recovered one single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, one tear gas canister, assorted medical kits, and an Itel phone.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and rapid response that dislodged the armed groups. He described the success as further proof that the strategies being deployed by the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies are yielding tangible results.
“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” Major General Gara emphasized.
The Commander reassured the people of Katsina-Ala and adjoining communities of their safety, urging them to continue to provide credible and timely information to aid ongoing military operations. He stressed that such collaboration remains vital to ensuring the defeat of criminal elements and the consolidation of peace in the region.
