Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recorded a series of significant positive operational outcomes across Benue and Taraba States from 24–31 May 2026. Troops neutralised four criminals, rescued two kidnap victims, recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, and dismantled a notorious illicit drug network.
On 24 May 2026, following reports of an attack by armed herders along the Gbajimba–Agasha road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, troops deployed to the scene and found two injured locals. The victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while a manhunt for the assailants is ongoing.
In Taraba State on the same day, troops responded to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga road and made contact with the robbers. Troops engaged the criminals and neutralised two armed robbers, recovering one AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition, and cash amounting to ₦39,950.
In a further display of resilience, on 25 May, troops responded to a kidnap report along the Antegh–Zongo road in Makurdi LGA, Benue State. Troops intercepted the abductors, who abandoned two victims and fled. One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.
In a separate effort to rid the OPWS Joint Operations Area of criminality that has sustained violent crime, troops conducted an intelligence-based operation against a notorious illicit drug syndicate. Troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on 23 May 2026 and found 641 pieces of illicit drugs as well as ₦781,000 in cash. A follow-up operation on 27 May led to the arrest of three more suspected drug dealers, along with additional substances, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000. Those arrested are being processed to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
In the most recent operation, on 31 May 2026, troops of OPWS, acting on intelligence, raided a bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala LGA, neutralising two bandits and recovering ammunition and related items.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops, urging them to sustain the operational momentum. He also appealed to communities to report all suspected criminal elements to law enforcement and security agencies for appropriate action. Informants to criminals were also warned to desist from their inglorious trade to avoid unpleasant consequences.
