RismadarVoice Reporters
October 31, 2026
Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, have reportedly recovered two bodies following an intelligence-led ambush targeting suspected bandits along the Adankolo–Apata Road in Kogi State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, October 31, following intelligence reports concerning the movement of suspected armed groups around communities in Kabba-Bunu and Lokoja local government areas.
According to an account attributed to the task force’s Acting Media Information Officer, Ahmad Zubairu, soldiers positioned themselves along a suspected supply route used by armed criminal groups operating within the area.
The troops reportedly encountered suspected bandits and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee into surrounding areas.
Zubairu said that at approximately 9 p.m., troops received information about bodies discovered near Adankolo Forest.
Following the report, soldiers reportedly proceeded to the location, where they found two bodies believed to be those of suspected bandits.
The initial account indicated that one suspect was killed during the confrontation but did not clarify whether both bodies discovered were casualties of the same engagement.
Military personnel reportedly recovered a locally fabricated pistol, one cartridge and an empty 7.62mm special ammunition casing during a search of the area.
The identities of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding both deaths have not been independently established.
Reacting to the operation, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their response to the intelligence received.
He emphasised the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations in addressing banditry, kidnapping and other security threats within the task force’s operational area.
Gara also encouraged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and criminal activities.
The military maintained that intelligence-led operations would continue across vulnerable communities and suspected criminal routes to strengthen public safety.
Kogi State has witnessed several military operations against suspected bandits and kidnappers, particularly around forest corridors used by armed groups.
The latest reported operation forms part of continuing efforts to disrupt criminal movements and protect lives and property across affected communities.
