Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recorded major operational breakthroughs following intelligence-led clearance missions carried out on March 24, 2026, across parts of Benue State.
According to military authorities, the operations were launched based on credible intelligence about the activities of armed elements within communities in Gwer West Local Government Area. Troops under Sector 1, deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka, stormed Mbapa and Mbabuande communities, where they uncovered and cleared a suspected criminal hideout believed to have been abandoned.
Further exploitation operations conducted across River Akpako led to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities in Tse-Ubena village, located in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. Security operatives from Tor-Donga, working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, carried out a coordinated raid on a suspected hideout.
During the operation, a 28-year-old woman, Mrs. Member Ityavber, who had been abducted, was successfully rescued. She has since received medical attention and has been reunited with her family after debriefing.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism. He reiterated the task force’s commitment to maintaining security across the region, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.
Military authorities added that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate linked to the kidnapping.
