Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have intensified intelligence-driven operations across parts of Benue and Nasarawa States, leading to the neutralisation of an armed bandit and the arrest of several criminal suspects.
On 3 February 2026, troops of Sector 1, OPWS, acting on credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, carried out a joint operation with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. During a brief encounter, one armed bandit was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition and two magazines were recovered.
Similarly, on 4 February 2026, troops of Sector 2, deployed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State, responded swiftly to actionable intelligence from a local hunter on suspected armed robbers along the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area. One suspect, identified as Adam Paul, aged 34, was arrested, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered. Two other suspects reportedly fled the scene and are currently being pursued by security operatives.
In another operation on the same day, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion IX, stationed at Agbaragba in Benue State, responded to a distress call over alleged cattle rustling in Agagbe community. Several dead cattle were discovered at the scene, while three suspects were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation.
Further operations on 5 February 2026 led to the arrest of two additional suspects at Forward Operating Base Agbagbe, where they were found in possession of butchered meat suspected to have been obtained from rustled cattle. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to ongoing cattle rustling activities in the area.
Commending the troops, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience, vigilance and commitment to duty. He noted that the successes recorded were in line with the directive of the military high command to intensify aggressive patrols and strengthen intelligence-led operations.
Major General Gara also urged personnel to sustain the momentum and maintain high operational efficiency in order to deter criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area. He further appreciated local communities and other security agencies for their cooperation, describing their support as critical to the achievements recorded so far.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents of Benue and Nasarawa States of continued efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
