Operation Whirl Stroke Foils Pipeline Vandalism, Arrests Suspect in Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, arresting an 18-year-old motorcycle rider suspected of transporting a section of the pipeline.
The operation, conducted on October 20, 2026, followed intelligence reports on the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received information about the suspected criminal activities.
The statement said the troops swiftly moved to the reported location but found that the suspected vandals had fled before their arrival.
However, the troops apprehended the motorcycle rider, identified as Aondoyima Agber, who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.
Read Also:
The suspect remains in custody pending further directives, while troops have intensified their presence in the area to deter criminal activities, protect critical national infrastructure and disrupt the operations of armed bandits.
The Force Commander, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 5 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response, describing the operation as a proactive step towards preventing the vandalism of critical national assets.
Gara warned individuals involved in the destruction or vandalism of public infrastructure to desist from such acts, stressing the importance of protecting vital national assets.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
The Force Commander further emphasised that cooperation between security agencies and host communities remains essential to tackling criminality and sustaining peace and security across the Joint Task Force’s area of responsibility.
