Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified ongoing security operations in Benue and Taraba states, resulting in the neutralisation of four suspected criminals, the rescue of two kidnap victims, and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and illicit drugs.
The successful operations, conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026, were disclosed in a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
According to the statement, troops responded swiftly to a distress call on May 24 following an attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Upon arrival, soldiers discovered two injured residents and immediately evacuated them to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment.
Security operatives have since launched efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
On the same day, troops deployed to the Rafin Kada–Donga Road in Taraba State after receiving reports of an armed robbery incident. The suspected robbers reportedly engaged the troops in a gun duel, leading to the death of two of the assailants.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, rounds of ammunition and N39,950 in cash.
In a separate operation on May 25, troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The kidnappers fled upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning two victims who were rescued unharmed.
One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the victims were safely reunited with their families.
As part of efforts to tackle criminal networks linked to drug trafficking, troops also carried out a series of operations targeting illicit drug activities within the joint operations area.
Following the search of a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23, soldiers recovered 641 suspected illicit drug exhibits and N781,000 believed to be proceeds from illegal activities.
Further intelligence-led operations on May 27 led to the arrest of three suspected drug dealers. Additional quantities of suspected narcotics, a motorcycle and N40,000 cash were recovered during the raids.
The military said all suspects arrested in connection with the drug-related operations would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible 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.
During the operation, two suspected bandits were killed, while troops recovered ammunition and other items believed to have been used by the criminal group.
The latest successes come amid sustained military efforts to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other forms of violent crime across Benue, Taraba and neighbouring states.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and resilience, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, urged personnel to sustain the momentum against criminal elements threatening peace in the region.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, warning individuals aiding criminal groups to desist or face the consequences of their actions.
