Troops of the Maritime Component of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have repelled an attack by an armed group and recovered weapons in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer at Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the incident occurred on Monday, 26 October 2026, following intelligence reports that armed criminal elements posing as herders had crossed the riverine border from Nasarawa State into Guma Local Government Area.
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He said the troops came under heavy gunfire upon reaching the location but responded with tactical counter-fire, overpowering the attackers and forcing them to retreat into surrounding areas.
No casualties were recorded among the troops during the exchange of fire, according to the military.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four empty AK-47 magazines, eight calves, three mobile phones, a National Identification Number (NIN) document registered to Umar Yusuf, and local currency.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, commended the troops for their vigilance, swift response and recovery of the weapons.
He directed the unit to strengthen engagement with border communities and sustain intelligence-led patrols to prevent criminal infiltration across the joint operations area.
Major General Gara also praised residents for providing credible intelligence to security agencies and urged the public to continue reporting suspicious movements promptly to support security efforts.
