Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during a fighting patrol in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in an operational update.
According to Zubairu, the operation took place on September 2, 2026, when troops of Sector 1 conducting a fighting patrol along the Gbise-Igyudu Road encountered two suspected bandits travelling on a motorcycle.
He said the troops engaged the suspects after identifying them as armed, resulting in an exchange of fire.
Zubairu stated that one of the suspects was neutralised during the encounter, while the second fled the scene after being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
According to him, the troops subsequently carried out a search and clearance operation in the area to ensure that the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
The media officer said items recovered during the operation 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.
He further revealed that the troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms from the scene.
Zubairu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with troops, security agencies and law enforcement authorities by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals.
He noted that such information remained critical to enabling swift responses to emerging threats and supporting efforts to protect communities across the Joint Operations Area.
According to him, Operation WHIRL STROKE would continue to conduct sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing them from threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.
