OPWS Neutralises Four Criminals, Rescues Kidnap Victims, Busts Drug Syndicate in Benue, Taraba States

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four suspected criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, dismantling a drug trafficking network and recovering arms and ammunition during a week-long security operation.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed the achievements in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, covering operations conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026.

According to the statement, troops responded swiftly to reports of an armed herders’ attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24. On arrival at the scene, soldiers found two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment.

The Force Commander said troops have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of the attack.

Also on May 24, troops responded to an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road in Taraba State, where they engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle.

During the encounter, two armed robbers were neutralised, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and a cash sum of N39,950 from the suspects.

In another operation on May 25, OPWS troops intercepted kidnappers along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State following a distress call.

The kidnappers reportedly abandoned their captives and fled upon sighting the troops.

Two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families, while one suspect was arrested in connection with the crime.

The statement further revealed that troops carried out an intelligence-led operation against a notorious drug trafficking syndicate in Makurdi on May 23, leading to the recovery of a vehicle, 641 pieces of illicit drugs and N781,000 suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.

A follow-up raid conducted on May 27 resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected drug dealers. Troops also recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 during the operation.

Major General Gara said all arrested suspects are currently being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

The latest breakthrough came on May 31 when troops, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

During the operation, two suspected bandits were neutralised, while ammunition and other related items were recovered from the enclave.

The Force Commander commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to sustain the tempo of ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.

He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information on criminal activities within their communities.

Major General Gara warned individuals who provide information or logistical support to criminal elements to desist from such acts, stressing that anyone found aiding criminals would face the full weight of the law.