By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected high-profile criminal during an intelligence-driven operation in Agasha following a reported attack on a resident of the community.
The arrest was carried out on March 13, 2026, after security agencies received credible information about an assault on Mr. Shaapera Seeta Michael in the village.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke, swiftly mobilised to the area to track down the suspect responsible for the attack.
Upon arrival, the troops cordoned off the area to prevent the suspect from escaping while carrying out a targeted search aimed at identifying and apprehending the alleged attacker.
During the operation, the troops arrested a suspected militia member identified as Suurnen David Akum, 27, a resident of Agasha village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered from him at the time of his arrest.
Military authorities said the suspect is currently under investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action after preliminary inquiries.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical efficiency which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect.
He urged them to sustain the operational tempo and remain vigilant in ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within communities across the state.
