Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have disrupted kidnappers road block, neutralized one and apprehended two suspects in separate operations across Benue State.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE said acting on credible intelligence on 19 August 2026 regarding the activities of a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis, OPWS troops swiftly mobilised to the area.
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On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga”, was neutralised. The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.
In a separate operation on the same day, OPWS troops deployed n Logo Local Government Area, acting on information from a credible source, apprehended two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village.
The suspects, identified as Terhile Iyo 44-year-old and Vershima Emmanuel 32-year-old, reportedly confessed to an attempt to kidnap Mrs Balame Nyikwagh of Gou Village.
Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms. The suspects remain in military custody for further exploitation.
The Force reassured law-abiding citizens of its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
