Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have intensified intelligence-driven combat patrols across parts of Benue and Nasarawa States, recording a series of tactical successes against armed bandits, suspected robbers and cattle rustlers in coordinated operations conducted between February 3 and February 5, 2026.
Military authorities said the sustained operational tempo reflects a deliberate strategy to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area, particularly in rural communities grappling with banditry, armed robbery and cattle rustling.
On February 3, troops of Sector 1, OPWS, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, mobilised swiftly alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. Upon arrival at the location, troops reportedly made contact with the armed elements, leading to a brief exchange of fire.
According to operational reports, one armed bandit was neutralised during the engagement. Security forces also recovered one AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm special ammunition and two magazines at the scene. The recovery of weapons, officials said, is part of broader efforts to degrade the firepower and operational capabilities of criminal groups operating within the region.
In a separate development on February 4, troops of Sector 2, OPWS, stationed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State, responded to actionable intelligence provided by a local hunter concerning suspected armed robbers sighted along the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area. Acting in collaboration with the informant, troops moved to the identified location and conducted a targeted operation.
One suspect, identified as 34-year-old Adam Paul, was arrested during the operation, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered. Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that the suspect obtained the weapon from an individual identified as Tela Obu, a resident of Duduguru Community in Obi LGA. Two additional suspects, John Amos and another identified simply as Elisha, also residents of Duduguru Community, allegedly fled the area and remain at large. Security agencies have indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider network.
Also on February 4, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion IX, deployed at Agbaragba in Benue State, responded to a distress call from residents who reported that youths from Agagbe community were mobilising to rustle cattle. Upon arrival at the scene, troops discovered several cattle carcasses at different locations, indicating that rustling activities had already occurred.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation and prosecution. Authorities described the swift intervention as critical in preventing further escalation and restoring calm to the affected area.
The following day, February 5, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agbagbe acted on credible intelligence indicating that suspected cattle rustlers were butchering stolen livestock within a residential building in Agagbe Community. During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while in possession of mutilated and butchered meat believed to have been derived from rustled cattle.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were allegedly involved in cattle rustling activities within the general area, a crime that continues to threaten agrarian livelihoods and exacerbate tensions in rural communities across Benue and neighbouring states. The suspects have since been taken into custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for what he described as their resilience, vigilance and aggressive operational posture. He noted that the recent successes align with directives from the military high command for field commanders to intensify offensive patrols and strengthen intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralising criminal threats.
Major General Gara urged personnel to sustain the operational momentum and maintain high fighting efficiency to deter and eliminate criminal activities within the theatre of operations. He emphasised that continued pressure on criminal networks remains essential to stabilising affected communities and restoring confidence among residents.
The Force Commander also acknowledged the critical role of local communities, hunters and other security agencies in supporting Operation WHIRL STROKE through timely intelligence and collaboration. He stated that such cooperation has significantly enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness in both Benue and Nasarawa States.
Operation WHIRL STROKE was established to address persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North Central region, including farmer-herder clashes, banditry, armed robbery and cattle rustling. The recent series of operations underscores the military’s commitment to proactive engagements and coordinated inter-agency efforts in confronting evolving security threats.
As investigations continue and follow-up operations are planned, military authorities have reiterated their resolve to sustain aggressive patrols and intelligence-led missions aimed at consolidating security gains and ensuring lasting peace within the Joint Operations Area.
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