Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralise Bandit, Recover Cache of Arms in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have sustained their offensive operations against criminal elements across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.

According to the Commander, “On 11 November 2025, ground troops supported by the Air Component of OPWS conducted a snap raid operation on the hideout of a notorious armed bandit at Mbagen Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

“Upon arrival at the bandit hideout, troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them in a fierce firefight. During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised, while the gang leader narrowly escaped,” he said.

A subsequent search of the area, according to the statement, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one 36 hand grenade, two BAOFENG radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one Sanya motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal operations.

The Force Commander commended the troops for their tactical proficiency, gallantry, and resilience during the two-day clearance operations.

He noted that the successful raid further disrupted the activities of criminal gangs responsible for killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in the area.

Major General Gara reaffirmed the operation’s zero tolerance for criminality, warning all criminal elements operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

He further charged the troops to remain disciplined and maintain a high level of combat readiness while prioritizing in-theatre training to address emerging security challenges.

The Commander assured that Operation Whirl Stroke would continue aggressive operations until all armed criminal gangs threatening peace and stability are completely flushed out from the region.