Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Joint Task Force have neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a security operation along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, after residents of Ahume community in Gwer West Local Government Area raised a distress call over the presence of suspected bandits on the highway.
Security sources said the suspects had attempted to storm the road before troops responded swiftly and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the death of two of the suspects.
The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
“Two suspected armed bandits were neutralised during a snap ambush operation conducted on 26 January 2026 along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi road in Benue State,” Zubairu said.
He explained that troops deployed at Naka were on routine fighting patrol when they acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of armed criminals in the area.
“Consequently, troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and made contact with the criminals.
During the encounter, three suspected armed bandits were sighted. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with a gunshot wound,” the statement said.
Zubairu disclosed that one AK-47 rifle, loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, was recovered at the scene.
He added that troops have since sustained aggressive fighting patrols within the area to deny criminal elements freedom of operation.
The OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for the successful operation, describing it as a reflection of effective intelligence-driven operations and professionalism.
According to him, the Joint Task Force remains committed to sustaining operational momentum and enhancing security across the Joint Operations Area.
The Naka–Makurdi road had previously been notorious for kidnappings and killings by armed bandits, forcing motorists to abandon the route. However, increased security deployment in the state, particularly after the Yelwata massacre in June 2025, has led to improved safety and the gradual return of motorists to the highway.
