Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded a series of significant positive operational outcomes across Benue and Taraba States from 24 – 31 May 2026. Troops neutralized four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered one AK-47 rifle/ammunition and dismantled a notorious illicit drug network.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu acting media information officer HQ JTF operation Whirl Stroke issued to newsmen.
It said on 24 May 2026, following reports of an armed herder attack along Gbajimba–Agasha road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, troops deployed to the scene and found two injured locals. The victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Center in Gbajimba for treatment, while a manhunt for the assailants is ongoing.
In Taraba State, on the same day, troops responded to an armed robbery alert along Road Rafin Kada–Donga and came in contact with the robbers. Troops engaged the criminals and neutralized two armed robbers and recovered one AK 47 rifle with 3 magazines, ammunition, and cash sum of N39,950.
In a further show of resilience, on May 25, troops responded to a kidnap report along Road Antegh–Zongo in Makurdi LGA, Benue State. Troops intercepted the abductors who abandoned two victims and fled. One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.
In a separate effort to rid the OPWS Joint Operations Area of criminality that have sustained violent crimes, troops conducted intelligence -based operations against a notorious illicit drug syndicate. Troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on 23 May 2026 and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs as well as ₦781,000 in cash. A follow-up operation on 27 May led to the arrest of three more suspected drug peddlers, with additional substances, a motorcycle and ₦40,000. Arrested persons are being processed to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
In the most recent operation on 31 May 2026, troops of OPWS, acting on intelligence, raided a bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala LGA, neutralizing two bandits and recovering ammunition and related items.
Force Commander Major General Moses Gara commended the troops, urging them to sustain the operational momentum. The Force Commander also appealed to communities to report all suspected criminal elements to law enforcement and security agencies for appropriate action. Informants to criminals were also warned to desist from the inglorious trade so as to avert unpleasant consequences.
