By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE says it has eliminated four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered one AK-47 rifle/ammunitions and dismantled a notorious illicit drug network during series of their operations across Benue and Taraba States.
Acting Media and Information Officer, Headquarters JTF of the Command, Lieutenant Zubairu Zubairu, stated that this followed reported armed herder attack along Gbajimba–Agasha road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where the troops deployed to the scene found two injured locals.
The victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre 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 Rafin Kada–Donga road and came in contact with the robbers. Troops engaged the criminals and eliminated two armed robbers and recovered one AK 47 rifle with 3 magazines, ammunition, and cash sum of N39,950.
Furthermore, the troops responded to a kidnap report along Antegh–Zongo road 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.
The troops also conducted intelligent 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 also 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, the troops, acting on intelligence, raided a bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala LGA, killed two bandits, and recovered ammunition and related items.
Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops, urging them to sustain the operational momentum.
