Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralises Four Criminals, Rescues Kidnap Victims in Major Benue-Taraba Security Crackdown
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and dismantling a notorious drug trafficking network in a series of coordinated operations conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
The operations underscore the military’s sustained offensive against criminal elements terrorising communities within the Joint Operations Area, as security forces intensify efforts to restore peace and security across the North-Central region.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke and signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, on June 1, 2026.
According to the statement, the operations began on May 24 following reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Troops deployed to the area discovered two injured residents and immediately evacuated them to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.
Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops responded swiftly to an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road, where they engaged suspected robbers in a firefight.
The statement revealed that two armed robbers were neutralised, while security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and cash amounting to ₦39,950.
In another operation on May 25, troops acting on intelligence intercepted suspected kidnappers along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The criminals reportedly abandoned their captives and fled after encountering the troops.
“One suspect was arrested, while the two rescued victims were successfully reunited with their families,” the statement said.
The military also intensified efforts against organised crime networks believed to be fuelling insecurity in the region through illicit drug activities.
According to the statement, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside ₦781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation carried out on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug traffickers, with security operatives recovering more illicit substances, a motorcycle and an additional ₦40,000.
The military disclosed that all suspects are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The latest operation was conducted on May 31 when troops, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two bandits and the recovery of ammunition and other related items.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and operational successes, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, urged personnel to sustain the momentum in ongoing counter-crime operations.
He also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on criminal activities.
According to the statement, the Force Commander appealed to communities to “report all suspected criminal elements to law enforcement and security agencies for appropriate action.”
He further warned individuals providing information or logistical support to criminals to desist from such activities, stressing that those found aiding criminal networks would face the full consequences of the law.
Security analysts say the latest successes reflect growing operational pressure on criminal gangs operating within Benue and Taraba states, particularly in areas affected by banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and drug-related crimes.
Operation Whirl Stroke remains one of the key multi-agency security initiatives tasked with combating violent crimes and restoring stability across the North-Central region.
