Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have killed four suspected bandits and rescued two kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across Benue and Taraba states, while also dismantling a notorious drug syndicate.
Acting Media Information Officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu said the series of successes began after troops responded to an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Two injured residents were found at the scene and evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment. A manhunt for the attackers is ongoing.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acted on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road. They engaged the criminals, killing two armed robbers and recovering an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and N39,950 in cash.
In another operation on May 25, 2026, troops intercepted kidnappers along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The suspects fled and abandoned two victims, who were rescued and reunited with their families. One suspect was arrested at the scene.
Inside Benue, Taraba:
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Benue
Troops Kill 4 Bandits, Rescue Hostages in Benue-Taraba Raids
Benue Command Foils Criminal Operations, Recovers Rifles, Stolen Lexus, SUV
Army Busts Recruitment Scam in Taraba, Arrests Suspect, Recovers Cash, Phone
Soldiers Kill Two Armed Bandits, Seize Weapons in Donga LGA, Taraba State
Troops also struck against a drug network. On May 23, a vehicle recovered in Makurdi was searched, yielding 641 pieces of illicit drugs and N781,000 in cash.
A follow-up raid on May 27 led to the arrest of three suspected drug peddlers, with additional substances, a motorcycle, and N40,000 seized. The suspects have been handed over to the NDLEA.
The most recent operation took place on May 31, when troops raided a bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. Two bandits were killed, and ammunition and related items were recovered.
Force Commander Major General Moses Gara commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to sustain the operational momentum against criminal elements in the region.
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