OPWS Troops Neutralize Armed Criminal in Benue, Arrest Suspect and Recover Locally Made Pistol in Nasarawa

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralized an armed criminal during a deliberate ambush operation conducted on 15th October 2025 in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday.

According to the statement, the operation occurred east of Ayilamo in Tombo Council Ward of Logo LGA. The troops made contact with criminal elements, neutralizing one of them, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.

Following the engagement, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and fourteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. They maintained dominance in the area, conducting patrols to reassure residents and strengthen community confidence.

In a related development, troops of Sub-Sector 2 deployed at Maraba Udege Community in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State responded to a distress call from Maraba Market on Wednesday, 15th October 2025.

The report indicated that a man was seen in possession of a pistol within the market. Upon arriving at the scene, the troops apprehended the suspect, identified as Mr. Ramanu Elizabeth, and recovered a locally fabricated pistol from him. The suspect and the weapon are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and tactical efficiency. He urged them to sustain the operational momentum to guarantee the safety of law-abiding citizens and enable legitimate economic activities to thrive.

Investigation and follow-up operations are ongoing, with troops working closely with local security stakeholders and community leaders to gather intelligence, dismantle criminal networks, and restore peace in affected areas.

Operation Whirl Stroke reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding innocent lives and maintaining relentless pressure on those perpetrating violence across the region.