Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have disrupted an alleged kidnappers’ roadblock in Benue State, neutralising one suspected bandit and arresting two suspected kidnappers in separate operations.
The operations were conducted on August 19, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating along the Jortar–Atume axis and in Logo Local Government Area.
According to the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops moved against a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates who were reportedly operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis.
The troops encountered the suspected criminals, triggering a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga”, was neutralised.
Other members of the group fled, abandoning a motorcycle that was recovered by the troops.
In a separate operation in Logo Local Government Area, troops acting on credible information arrested two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village.
The suspects were identified as 44-year-old Terhile Iyo and 32-year-old Vershima Emmanuel.
The suspects reportedly confessed to an alleged attempt to kidnap Mrs Balame Nyikwagh of Gou Village.
Troops recovered one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms from the suspects.
The two suspects remain in military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation as OPWS sustains operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities across Benue State.
The Joint Task Force urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
