By Uriel Ihotu
BENUE — Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have disrupted suspected kidnapping and banditry operations in separate operations across Benue State, reportedly neutralising one suspected bandit and arresting two alleged kidnappers.
In the first operation, troops acting on credible intelligence on August 19, 2026, mobilised to the Jortar–Atume axis, where suspected bandits were allegedly operating an illegal checkpoint.
According to OPWS, the troops encountered the suspected criminals on arrival, resulting in a gun battle.
One suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga,” was reportedly neutralised during the encounter, while other members of the group fled.
The troops subsequently recovered a motorcycle allegedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation conducted the same day in Logo Local Government Area, OPWS troops arrested two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village following information from a credible source.
The suspects were identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32.
The task force said the suspects allegedly confessed to an attempted kidnapping involving Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of Gou Village.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects included a locally fabricated pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno feature phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms.
The two suspects remain in military custody as investigations and intelligence exploitation continue.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while disrupting the activities of criminal groups across its area of responsibility.
OPWS also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could support ongoing efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality in Benue State.
