Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have eliminated four suspected criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a series of coordinated security operations across Benue and Taraba states.
The Acting Media and Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday detailing recent operational successes recorded by troops deployed across the two states.
According to him, troops first responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where they discovered two injured residents at the scene.
“Upon arrival, troops found two injured locals who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical attention, while efforts to track down the assailants are ongoing,” Zubairu said.
In a separate operation in Taraba State, troops responded to a distress call over an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road and engaged the suspects in a gun battle.
“The troops made contact with the armed robbers and successfully neutralised two of them. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and the sum of N39,950 were recovered during the operation,” he stated.
The military spokesman further disclosed that troops also rescued two kidnapped victims along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, troops swiftly mobilised after receiving information about the abduction and intercepted the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
“One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families,” he said.
In another major breakthrough, troops dismantled a suspected illicit drug distribution network operating within Makurdi and its environs.
Zubairu explained that troops, acting on intelligence, searched a recovered vehicle on May 23, 2026, and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside cash amounting to N781,000.
“A follow-up operation led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers, while more illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 cash were recovered,” he added.
He said the suspects were being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The statement further revealed that troops recently carried out an intelligence-led raid on a suspected bandits’ enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
“During the operation, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered ammunition as well as other related items from the hideout,” Zubairu disclosed.
Commending the troops for their courage and professionalism, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, urged personnel to maintain the momentum in ongoing operations against criminal elements.
“The successes recorded underscore our commitment to protecting lives and property. Troops must remain vigilant and sustain the pressure on criminal elements across the joint operations area,” Gara said.
He reassured residents of Benue, Taraba and neighbouring states that Operation WHIRL STROKE would continue to pursue all criminal groups threatening peace and security in the region.
“The Joint Task Force remains determined to deny criminal elements freedom of action and create a secure environment for law-abiding citizens to carry out their daily activities without fear,” the Force Commander added.
