Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: L.Imafidon
Makurdi, Benue State – July 4, 2026 – Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a security operation in Benue State, in what the military described as another step in its ongoing campaign against armed criminal groups operating across Nigeria's North-Central region.
The operation took place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, after troops received credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were gathering around Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint in Benue State. Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said soldiers deployed from Kyado were immediately mobilised to intercept the suspects before they could launch another attack.
According to the military, the troops encountered the suspected kidnappers shortly after arriving at the location, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between both sides.
During the firefight, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while others escaped into nearby bushes. Soldiers subsequently secured the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle together with two empty magazines believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Military authorities said preliminary intelligence indicates that the deceased suspect may have belonged to the same criminal gang responsible for the attack on commuters on July 1, during which a former Secretary to the Benue State Government was shot and injured. Investigations are continuing to establish the full identity of the suspect and trace other members of the group.
Operation WHIRL STROKE said follow-up operations have commenced to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping in nearby communities.
Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for what he described as their resilience, professionalism and swift response during the operation. He urged commanders and personnel to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Gara also commended the cooperation among the military, police and other security agencies, saying intelligence sharing has continued to play a vital role in disrupting kidnapping networks and other violent crimes across the region.
He appealed to residents of Benue State and neighbouring communities to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that useful intelligence would be treated confidentially and acted upon without delay.
The commander reaffirmed Operation WHIRL STROKE's commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring lasting peace in areas affected by kidnapping, armed attacks and other forms of violent crime.
Operation WHIRL STROKE is a multi-agency military task force established to combat insecurity across Benue and neighbouring states. In recent months, the force has intensified fighting patrols, clearance operations and intelligence-driven raids targeting armed gangs, terrorists and kidnappers.
Only days before the latest operation, troops of the task force, working alongside members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, foiled an attack at Tor Donga Yam Market, where two suspected terrorists were killed and several weapons and ammunition were recovered. Military authorities described the operation as another example of improved coordination between security agencies.
Benue State has remained one of Nigeria's most volatile security flashpoints, with repeated attacks by armed groups, kidnappers and other criminal elements affecting farming communities, travellers and commercial activities.
Security experts have consistently argued that sustained intelligence gathering, rapid military deployment and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities are essential to reducing kidnapping and restoring confidence among residents.
Authorities said investigations into Thursday's operation are continuing, while troops remain on heightened alert across the affected areas to prevent further attacks and apprehend other members of the suspected gang.
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