Troops Kill 4 Criminals, Rescue Hostages, Recover Arms in Benue, Taraba
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified ongoing security operations in Benue and Taraba states, recording major successes that led to the neutralisation of four criminals, rescue of two kidnapped victims, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the dismantling of a notorious illicit drug network.
The military disclosed that the achievements were recorded during a series of coordinated operations conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026, across the Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, troops responded to an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24. Upon arrival at the scene, soldiers found two injured residents who were subsequently evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.
The statement noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops responded to a distress call over an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road. The troops engaged the suspected robbers in a gun battle, neutralising two of them.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and a cash sum of N39,950.
In another operation on May 25, troops acting on information about a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State intercepted the abductors. The criminals reportedly abandoned their captives and fled upon sighting the troops.
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One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the two rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
The military also recorded a breakthrough in its campaign against illicit drug trafficking, which it described as a major enabler of criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area.
According to the statement, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and discovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside N781,000 in cash.
A follow-up intelligence-led operation conducted on May 27 resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers. Troops also recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 in cash.
The suspects are currently being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In the latest operation conducted on May 31, troops acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation led to the neutralisation of two bandits, while ammunition and other related items were recovered from the enclave.
Reacting to the operational successes, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their commitment and professionalism.
He urged personnel to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.
Gara also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements.
The Force Commander further warned individuals who provide information or support to criminals to desist from such activities, stressing that anyone found aiding criminal networks would face the full weight of the law.
By PRNigeria
