Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have killed a suspected bandit and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during a fierce encounter along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, saw troops of Sector 1 conducting a routine fighting patrol when they encountered two suspected bandits riding a motorcycle along the axis. The troops positively identified the suspects as armed bandits and immediately engaged them, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second suspect fled the scene after being overwhelmed by superior firepower. The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation in the area to ensure that the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
The items recovered from the scene included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round. The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms from the scene. The latest operation comes weeks after troops of Operation Whirl Stroke reported other encounters with suspected kidnappers and bandits in Katsina-Ala and other parts of Benue. On August 19, OPWS troops disrupted an alleged kidnappers' roadblock along the Jortar-Atume axis in Katsina-Ala, killing a suspected bandit and recovering a motorcycle.
The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with troops and other security and law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals. Operation Whirl Stroke pledged to continue dominating its operational areas through sustained patrols and other intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying them the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens. The latest operation comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Benue, particularly the Sankera axis, where communities have experienced repeated attacks, killings and displacement.
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