Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have dismantled a suspected kidnappers' roadblock, neutralised one suspected bandit, and arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate operations across Benue State, further intensifying the military's campaign to rid the North-Central region of criminal elements. The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, August 22, 2026, detailing the successful operations conducted on August 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected bandits and kidnappers operating in parts of the state.
In the first operation, troops acted on intelligence regarding the activities of a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates who were operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis. Upon arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname "Cool Nigga," was neutralised. Other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was subsequently recovered by the troops. In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed in Logo Local Government Area, acting on information from a credible source, apprehended two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village. The suspects were identified as 44-year-old Terhile Iyo and 32-year-old Vershima Emmanuel.
According to the military, the suspects reportedly confessed to an attempt to kidnap Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of Gou Village. Items recovered from the suspects included one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards, and charms. The suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation. The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Benue State and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. The force said cooperation from residents remains critical to ongoing efforts to prevent kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
The latest operations come amid continuing security concerns in Benue and other parts of the North-Central region, where kidnapping, banditry and attacks on rural communities have remained major challenges. The military urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to help prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities. As the military continues its offensive against criminal networks, the successful operations in Benue demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the commitment of security forces to restoring peace and stability in the region.
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