Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised four suspected criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network during a series of operations conducted across Benue and Taraba states between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area.
The statement disclosed that troops responded to reports of an armed herders’ attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24. Upon arrival, soldiers found two injured residents, who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.
The military said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle.
“Troops neutralised two armed robbers and recovered one AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition and the sum of N39,950,” the statement said.
In a separate operation on May 25, troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military said the kidnappers abandoned two victims and fled upon sighting the troops. One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.
The operation also targeted suspected drug trafficking activities within the region.
According to the statement, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and discovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside N781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation conducted on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers. Troops also recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 in cash.
The suspects are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In another operation on May 31, troops acting on intelligence raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The raid resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected bandits and the recovery of ammunition and other related items.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the operational tempo against criminal elements.
He also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities.
Gara further warned individuals who aid criminals through the provision of information or logistics to desist, stressing that such actions would attract severe consequences.