By Augustine Ehikioya
Sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised bandit and recovered arms cache In Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
This took place on 11 November, 2025, when ground troops supported by Air Component OPWS conducted a snap raid operation on the hideout of the notorious armed bandit at Mbagen Community in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
Upon arrival at the bandit hideout, troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them in a fierce firefight.
During the encounter, a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said “one of the bandits was neutralised while the gang leader narrowly escaped.
“Subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one 36 hand grenade, two BAOFENG radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one Sanya motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal operations.”
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their tactical proficiency, gallantry and resilience during the two-day clearance operations.
He noted that the successful raid had further disrupted the activities of criminal gangs responsible for killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the area.
Major General Gara reaffirmed zero tolerance for criminality, warning all criminal elements operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
He further charged the troops to remain disciplined and maintain a high level of combat readiness while prioritising in-theatre training to overcome emerging security challenges.
He assured that Operation WHIRL STROKE would sustain aggressive operations until all armed criminal gangs threatening peace and stability are completely flushed out from the region.
