RismadarVoice Reporters, June 2, 2026
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised four suspected criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network during a series of operations conducted across Benue and Taraba states.
The military disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, detailing operational activities carried out between May 24 and May 31, 2026, within the Joint Operations Area.
According to the statement, troops responded to an attack by suspected armed herders along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24.
Upon arrival at the scene, security personnel found two injured residents who were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.
The military said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops responded to an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road, where they engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle.
The operation resulted in the killing of two suspected armed robbers and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and ₦39,950 in cash, according to the military.
In another operation on May 25, troops acting on a kidnapping report along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State intercepted suspected abductors, forcing them to abandon two victims and flee.
One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
The military also reported breakthroughs in its campaign against illicit drug trafficking, which it said has contributed to violent crimes within the operational area.
According to the statement, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs and ₦781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug dealers, while further quantities of suspected narcotics, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 were recovered.
The suspects are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In the latest operation conducted on May 31, troops acting on intelligence raided a suspected bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military said two suspected bandits were killed during the operation, while ammunition and other related items were recovered from the scene.
Reacting to the successes, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain the momentum in ongoing security operations.
He also appealed to residents to provide timely information on criminal activities and warned individuals aiding criminals with information or logistics to desist from such actions.
