By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have intensified efforts against criminal elements operating in Benue and Taraba states, recording major operational successes.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops swiftly responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24.
The troops arrived at the scene and found two injured residents, who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical attention. Security operatives have since launched a manhunt for those responsible for the attack.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a gun duel, neutralising two of the suspects during the encounter. Items recovered from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and a cash sum of ₦39,950.
In another operation carried out on May 25, troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled upon sighting the advancing troops. Two victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families, while one suspect was arrested in connection with the crime.
The operation also extended to tackling drug-related crimes believed to be fuelling insecurity within the region. Troops conducting intelligence-led operations intercepted a vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs alongside ₦781,000 in cash.
A follow-up raid on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug traffickers. Security personnel also recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 in cash.
Military authorities further disclosed that the suspects are being processed and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The latest success was recorded on May 31 when troops, acting on credible intelligence, raided a bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. During the operation, two suspected bandits were neutralised, and troops recovered ammunition and other related items from the enclave.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, urged personnel to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the region.
He also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information on criminal activities, warning individuals who aid or provide intelligence to criminals to desist from such acts or face the full consequences of the law.