By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have carried out a major offensive against criminal elements in Benue State, successfully destroying bandit camps and recovering an assortment of weapons, ammunition, and equipment in the process.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, 18 May 2025, was executed by troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion under OPWS, operating in synergy with other security agencies. According to an official signed statement made available by Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, the raid targeted locations around Konyo Gbise, near Akwaza in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where camps linked to a notorious bandit leader were discovered and destroyed.
During the operation, the troops recovered a sub-machine gun with its magazine, a locally fabricated rifle also with magazine, as well as quantities of 7.62mm special and 9mm ammunition. Additional items recovered include a rifle barrel and butt, three Point of Sale (POS) machines, two power-generating sets, solar panels, electrical cables, a painting machine, and a mobile phone. The troops also discovered a half bag of what is suspected to be cannabis sativa, as well as various portraits believed to be of bandit leaders.
The military high command said the successful raid is part of ongoing efforts to ensure security and allow for uninterrupted farming activities across Benue State, especially as the rainy season progresses.
Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, who applauded the courage and professionalism of the troops involved, charged them to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements threatening peace in the region. He further encouraged residents to continue supporting the military by providing credible information that can aid in the dismantling of criminal networks operating within their communities.
General Gara reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to restoring peace and normalcy in Benue and surrounding areas, assuring the public that such operations would continue until all threats are neutralized.
