By Uriel Ihotu
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba States, neutralising four suspected criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling a suspected drug trafficking network during coordinated operations carried out between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
The military operations form part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes threatening communities across the North Central region.
In one of the operations conducted along the Gbajimba Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, troops responded to reports of an armed herders’ attack.
On arrival, soldiers discovered two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.
The incident triggered a follow-up manhunt aimed at tracking down the attackers.
In a separate operation in Taraba State, troops responding to an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle.
Two suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and N39,950 in cash from the scene.
Speaking on the operations, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their commitment and professionalism.
He urged security personnel to sustain the operational tempo while encouraging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
On May 25, troops also responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The swift military intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee the area.
One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
Troops also intensified operations targeting criminal support networks linked to illicit drug activities.
Acting on intelligence, soldiers intercepted and searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23, where they discovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs and N781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug traffickers.
Security operatives also recovered more suspected illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 in cash during the raid.
The suspects are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In another major breakthrough on May 31, troops raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Two suspected bandits were neutralised during the clearance operation, while ammunition and other items were recovered.
Major General Gara praised the troops for their discipline and operational effectiveness, reiterating the importance of community cooperation in sustaining security gains across the region.
The latest operations highlight ongoing military efforts to weaken criminal networks, restrict their activities and restore peace in Benue, Taraba and neighbouring states.
