By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba States, neutralizing four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and dismantling a notorious illicit drug network during a series of coordinated operations conducted between 24 and 31 May 2026.
In an official signed statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the operations demonstrated the force’s sustained commitment to combating criminality and enhancing security within its Joint Operations Area.
According to the statement, troops responded on 24 May to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Upon arrival at the scene, the troops discovered two injured residents who were promptly evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment. A manhunt has since been launched to apprehend the perpetrators.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a firefight. During the operation, two armed robbers were neutralized, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and a cash sum of ₦39,950.
The statement further disclosed that on 25 May, troops responded swiftly to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The abductors abandoned two victims and fled upon sighting the advancing troops. One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
In a separate intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks sustaining violence in the region, troops targeted a notorious illicit drug syndicate operating within the OPWS area of responsibility. Following a search of a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on 23 May, troops recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs and ₦781,000 in cash. A follow-up operation conducted on 27 May resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers, alongside the recovery of more illicit substances, a motorcycle and ₦40,000 in cash. The suspects are currently being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In the latest operation conducted on 31 May, troops acting on credible intelligence raided a bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation led to the neutralization of two bandits and the recovery of ammunition and other related items.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and determination, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, urged personnel to sustain the current operational tempo in order to further degrade criminal elements across the region.
Major General Gara also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains vital to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security. He further warned individuals who provide information and support to criminal elements to desist from such activities or face the consequences of their actions.
