Troops neutralise bandit, arrest suspects in Benue, Nasarawa

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified intelligence-driven operations across Benue and Nasarawa states, neutralising an armed bandit, arresting several criminal suspects and recovering weapons during separate security missions.

The task force said the operations, carried out through coordinated patrols and actionable intelligence, targeted armed banditry, robbery and cattle rustling activities threatening rural communities in the region.

On February 3, troops of Sector 1, acting on credible intelligence about armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, mobilised alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.

During a brief engagement, one armed bandit was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered from the scene.

In a separate operation on February 4, troops of Sector 2 at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State arrested a suspected armed robber along the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area following intelligence provided by a local hunter.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Adam Paul, was apprehended with an AK-47 rifle. Preliminary interrogation indicated that the weapon was obtained from an accomplice in Duduguru Community. Two other suspects reportedly fled the area and are currently being tracked by security forces.

Also on the same day, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion IX responded to reports of cattle rustling in Agagbe Community, Benue State. Several dead cattle were discovered at different locations, while three suspects were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation.

In another related operation on February 5, troops at the Forward Operating Base in Agbagbe arrested two suspects allegedly butchering meat from rustled cattle inside a residential building. The suspects were taken into custody for investigation and possible prosecution.

Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their vigilance and aggressive posture, saying the successes reflect the military’s renewed focus on intelligence-led operations.

He urged personnel to sustain the momentum and pledged continued collaboration with local communities and other security agencies to curb criminal activities and restore peace across the joint operations area.