Arrests Made as Troops Clash with Armed Bandits in Benue

Troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), effectively neutralized an armed bandit and detained two individuals suspected of cattle rustling in Benue State.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer at HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, released a statement on February 6, 2026, indicating that the suspects were caught butchering meat from rustled cattle inside a private residence located in the Agagbe community.

The statement further detailed that three other individuals had earlier been arrested in relation to the cattle rustling incident in the area and were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further examination.

"The troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have maintained a high operational tempo by conducting intelligence-driven aggressive patrols, which have led to significant advancements against criminal activities in parts of Benue and Nasarawa States," the statement noted.

The communication added, "On February 3, 2026, personnel from Sector 1 of OPWS, following credible intelligence regarding armed herders' activities in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, swiftly aligned with the Nigerian Police Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to respond."

"Upon reaching Ayamba Village, the forces engaged with the armed elements, resulting in a short confrontation that led to the death of one armed bandit. Additionally, an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition, and two magazines were recovered from the scene," it continued.

Furthermore, similar actions were reported on February 4, 2026, when troops from Sector 2 of OPWS at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State acted on intelligence obtained from a local hunter about suspected armed robbers near the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area. The troops moved promptly to the site in coordination with the hunter.

During this operation, a suspected armed robber named Adam Paul, aged 34, was apprehended, and one AK-47 rifle was seized. Initial questioning suggested that Paul acquired the weapon from Tela Obu, a resident of Duduguru Community in Obi LGA.

Two additional suspects, John Amos and Elisha, both from Duduguru Community, fled the scene and remain at large, with ongoing efforts to track them down.

On the same day, troops from the COAS Intervention Battalion IX at Agbaragba in Benue State also responded swiftly to a distress signal from local residents about the movements of youths from Agagbe community engaged in cattle rustling activities.

Upon arrival, the troops found multiple dead cattle scattered across various locations. They apprehended three suspects related to the incident, who have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigations and prosecution.

In a related development on February 5, 2026, troops stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agbagbe received reliable information regarding youths butchering carcasses of stolen cattle within a residential neighborhood in Agagbe Community.

Two suspects were arrested on-site while in possession of slaughtered cattle meat believed to be from the rustled livestock.

Preliminary investigations uncovered that these suspects were allegedly involved in cattle rustling in the vicinity, an ongoing crime that poses a threat to livelihoods and disrupts peace in surrounding rural areas. Those arrested have been taken into custody for further investigations and potential prosecution in accordance with established laws.

Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, praised the troops for their unwavering determination and proactive measures in curbing criminal activities.

He emphasized that the success recorded aligns with directives from the military high command, urging commanders to escalate and intensify their aggressive patrols while prioritizing intelligence-based operations.

Major General Gara also called on the troops to maintain their momentum and ensure effective combat readiness to deter and counter criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area. He expressed gratitude to local communities and other security agencies whose cooperation has played a crucial role in the achievements of Operation WHIRL STROKE.