Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba States, neutralising criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims, and dismantling an illicit drug network in a series of coordinated operations conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, on June 1, 2026.
According to the statement, troops neutralised four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, and disrupted a notorious drug syndicate operating within the joint operations area.
On May 24, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Upon arrival, two injured civilians were found and promptly evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment. Security forces have since launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing attackers.
In a related development 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. The troops neutralised two of the criminals and recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and a cash sum of ₦39,950.
Continuing their operations on May 25, troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The swift response forced the abductors to abandon two victims and flee. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
In a separate intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing drug-related crimes, troops uncovered and dismantled a major illicit drug syndicate. During a search of a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23, operatives recovered 641 pieces of illegal drugs and ₦781,000 in cash. A follow-up raid conducted on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspects, along with further illicit substances, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000. The suspects are currently being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In the latest operation carried out on May 31, troops raided a suspected bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. During the operation, two bandits were neutralised, and ammunition along with other related items were recovered.
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Reacting to the successes, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism. He urged them to sustain the current operational tempo to ensure lasting peace in the region.
General Gara also called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies. He warned individuals aiding criminal elements to desist, noting that anyone found collaborating with criminals would face severe consequences.
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