Troops Kill two bandits in Benue ambush

By Olakunle Oke 

Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion IX under Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a snap ambush along the Naka Ahume Makurdi Road in Benue State.

The operation, carried out on 26 January 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed criminals in the area. Troops deployed at Naka were on routine fighting patrol when they tactically laid an ambush on the identified route and engaged the suspects.

Three suspected bandits were sighted during the encounter. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with gunshot wounds. An AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene.

The development was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.

Following the operation, troops intensified aggressive patrols across the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.

Commenting on the success, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, said the outcome reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of the troops, reaffirming the task force’s commitment to sustaining momentum and improving security within the Joint Operations Area.