By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have sustained an intensified operational tempo through intelligence-driven aggressive fighting patrols, recording a string of notable successes against criminal elements across parts of Benue and Nasarawa States.
The renewed momentum, which has resulted in the neutralisation of an armed bandit, arrests of suspected criminals and recovery of weapons, underscores the determination of the Joint Task Force to deny criminal groups freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.
In an official statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, it was disclosed that on 3 February 2026, troops of Sector 1 OPWS, acting on credible intelligence about the activities of armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, swiftly mobilised to the location.
The troops carried out the operation in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. Upon arrival at Ayamba Village, contact was made with the armed elements, leading to a brief but decisive engagement.
During the encounter, one armed bandit was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition and two magazines from the scene.
In a related operation on 4 February 2026, troops of Sector 2 OPWS deployed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State received actionable intelligence from a local hunter about suspected armed robbers lurking along the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area.
Acting promptly on the tip-off, the troops, in collaboration with the hunter, moved to the general area where one suspected armed robber, identified as 34-year-old Adam Paul, was arrested. One AK-47 rifle was also recovered from the suspect.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the weapon was allegedly obtained from one Tela Obu, a resident of Duduguru Community in Obi LGA. Two other suspects, identified as John Amos and Elisha, both residents of the same community, reportedly fled the scene and are currently at large. The Joint Task Force said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Also on 4 February 2026, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion IX deployed at Agbaragba in Benue State responded swiftly to a distress call from local residents over the alleged mobilisation of some youths from Agagbe community to rustle cattle.
On reaching the area, the troops discovered several dead cattle at different locations. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation and prosecution.
In another follow-up operation on 5 February 2026, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agbagbe received credible intelligence that some youths were actively butchering rustled cattle meat inside a residential building within Agagbe Community.
Troops immediately moved to the location and apprehended two suspects who were found in possession of mutilated and butchered meat believed to have been obtained from rustled cattle. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in cattle rustling activities within the general area, a crime that continues to threaten livelihoods and undermine peace in rural communities.
The arrested suspects were taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
Reacting to the series of successes, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance and aggressive posture in confronting criminal elements.
He stated that the achievements are in line with the directive of the military high command for commanders to scale up and intensify aggressive fighting patrols while strengthening intelligence-led operations.
Major General Gara further charged the troops to sustain the current momentum and maintain a high level of fighting efficiency to deter and neutralise criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area. He also expressed appreciation to local communities and other security agencies for their continued support and cooperation, noting that such collaboration has remained critical to the successes being recorded by Operation WHIRL STROKE.
