Operation WHIRL STROKE has intensified pressure on criminal networks operating across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four suspected criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling an illicit drug distribution network during a series of coordinated operations conducted between 24 and 31 May 2026.
Troops operating within the Joint Operations Area recorded multiple tactical successes during the review period as part of ongoing efforts to degrade criminal infrastructure and restore stability in affected communities.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
The operations began on 24 May following reports of an armed herders’ attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Troops deployed to the scene evacuated two injured residents to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while efforts to track down the attackers were immediately launched.
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On the same day, troops responding to an armed robbery incident along the Rafin Kada–Donga axis in Taraba State engaged the suspects in a gun battle, neutralising two armed robbers.
The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition and cash believed to be linked to the criminal activity.
Operational pressure continued on 25 May when troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo route in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrival of troops forced the abductors to abandon two victims and flee the area, while one suspect was arrested during the operation. The rescued victims were later reunited with their families.
Beyond direct combat operations, troops also targeted criminal support networks believed to be fuelling insecurity in the theatre.
Acting on intelligence, security operatives intercepted a vehicle in Makurdi and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside ₦781,000 in cash.
Follow-up operations conducted on 27 May led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug traffickers, with more illicit substances, a motorcycle and additional cash recovered.
Military authorities said the suspects were being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The latest operation took place on 31 May when troops acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The raid resulted in the neutralisation of two bandits and the recovery of ammunition and other combat-related items.
The operations underscore a broader security strategy focused not only on armed groups but also on the logistics chains, criminal economies and support structures that sustain violence across the region.
Security officials described the disruption of these networks as critical to consolidating stability and denying criminal elements operational freedom.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for sustaining operational momentum across the Joint Operations Area and urged them to maintain pressure on criminal elements.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and actionable intelligence, while warning individuals collaborating with criminal groups to desist from activities capable of undermining ongoing security efforts.
