Micah Jonah,vFebruary 6, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have sustained an enhanced operational tempo through intelligence driven aggressive fighting patrols, recording significant successes against criminal elements across parts of Benue and Nasarawa States.
On February 3, 2026, troops of Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke, acting on credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, swiftly mobilised alongside personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
Upon arrival at the village, troops made contact with the armed elements, leading to a brief engagement during which one armed bandit was neutralized. Items recovered from the scene included one AK47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition, and two magazines.
Similarly, on February 4, 2026, troops of Sector 2 Operation Whirl Stroke deployed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State received actionable intelligence from a local hunter regarding suspected armed robbers along the Asupe Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area. Acting promptly, the troops moved to the area in collaboration with the hunter.
During the operation, one suspected armed robber identified as Adam Paul aged 34 was arrested and one AK47 rifle recovered. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained the weapon from one Tela Obu, a resident of Duduguru Community in Obi Local Government Area. Two other suspects identified as John Amos and Elisha, also residents of Duduguru Community, fled the scene and remain at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.
In another development on the same day, 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 mobilisation of some youths from Agagbe community to rustle cattle. On arrival, troops discovered several dead cattle at different locations. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation and prosecution.
In a related operation on February 5, 2026, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base Agagbe received credible intelligence indicating that some youths were actively butchering rustled cattle meat inside a residential building within Agagbe Community. Two suspects were apprehended at the scene 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 area. They have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with extant laws.
The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara commended the troops for their resilience vigilance and aggressive posture in denying criminals freedom of action. He stated that the successes recorded align with the directive of the military high command to intensify aggressive fighting patrols while strengthening intelligence driven operations.
Major General Gara further charged the troops to sustain the momentum and maintain high 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 which he noted have contributed significantly to the successes recorded by Operation Whirl Stroke.
