Security Forces Intensify Crackdown on Criminal Activities in Benue State
Troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have achieved significant security breakthroughs in Benue State, neutralizing an armed bandit and arresting multiple suspects involved in cattle rustling operations. The coordinated military actions demonstrate enhanced operational effectiveness against criminal elements threatening rural communities.
Intelligence-Led Operations Yield Multiple Arrests
According to official statements released on Friday, February 6, 2026, by Acting Media Information Officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, security forces apprehended two criminal suspects while they were actively butchering rustled cattle meat inside a residential building in Agagbe community. This operation followed earlier arrests of three additional suspects connected to cattle rustling incidents in the same area, who were subsequently transferred to Nigeria Police Force custody in Naka for comprehensive investigation.
The military statement emphasized that "troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have continued to sustain an enhanced operational tempo through intelligence-led aggressive fighting patrols, recording significant successes against criminal elements across parts of Benue and Nasarawa States."
Detailed Operational Successes Across Multiple Locations
Security operations unfolded across several strategic locations with precise coordination:
- Ayamba Village Engagement: On February 3, 2026, Sector 1 OPWS troops, acting on credible intelligence regarding armed herder activities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, mobilized swiftly alongside Nigerian Police Force personnel and Benue State Civil Protection Guard operatives. The confrontation resulted in one armed bandit neutralized, with troops recovering substantial weaponry including:
- One AK-47 rifle
- Three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition
- Two magazines
- Asupe–Ome Road Operation: On February 4, Sector 2 OPWS troops deployed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State received actionable intelligence from a local hunter about suspected armed robbers. The collaborative operation led to the arrest of 34-year-old Adam Paul and recovery of another AK-47 rifle. Preliminary interrogation revealed the weapon originated from Tela Obu of Duduguru Community, while two additional suspects—John Amos and Elisha—successfully fled the scene, with ongoing efforts to apprehend them.
- Agbaragba Response: Also on February 4, troops from the COAS Intervention Battalion IX responded to distress calls about youth mobilization for cattle rustling in Agagbe community. Upon arrival, security forces discovered multiple dead cattle and arrested three suspects, who were transferred to Nigeria Police Force custody in Naka.
- Agbagbe Meat Processing Discovery: On February 5, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Agbagbe acted on credible intelligence indicating active butchering of rustled cattle meat within a residential building. The operation resulted in two suspects apprehended with mutilated and butchered meat believed to originate from stolen livestock.
Command Leadership Commends Troop Performance
Force Commander Major General Moses Gara praised troop resilience, vigilance, and aggressive posture in denying criminals operational freedom. He stated that "the recorded successes are in line with the directive of the military high command, for commanders to scale up and intensify aggressive fighting patrols while enhancing intelligence-driven operations."
Major General Gara further charged troops to maintain operational momentum and strong fighting efficiency to deter and neutralize criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area. The commander also expressed appreciation to local communities and collaborating security agencies for their continued support and cooperation, which have contributed significantly to Operation WHIRL STROKE's achievements.
Preliminary investigations indicate the arrested suspects were allegedly involved in cattle rustling activities that have threatened livelihoods and undermined peace in rural communities. All detained individuals remain in custody for thorough investigation and potential prosecution according to existing legal frameworks.
