Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered weapons, ammunition and other items during a fighting patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to an official statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the operation was conducted by troops of Sector 1 on September 2, 2026.
The troops encountered two suspected bandits riding on a motorcycle along the Gbise–Igyudu axis and engaged them after positively identifying them as armed suspects.
The ensuing exchange of fire resulted in the neutralisation of one of the suspects, while the second fled the scene following the superior firepower of the troops.
The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation around the area to ensure that the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Items recovered during the operation included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two rounds of 9mm ammunition and one PKT round.
The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms from the scene.
The Joint Task Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals to security and law enforcement agencies.
The task force said such information remained critical to enabling security forces respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats.
It added that Operation WHIRL STROKE would sustain patrols and intelligence-driven operations across its operational areas to dismantle criminal networks and prevent them from threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.
