Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) killed one suspected bandit and detained two other suspects in separate security operations conducted across Benue State on August 19, 2026. The operations, driven by credible intelligence, targeted criminal groups along the Jortar–Atume axis and within Logo Local Government Area.
Firefight Along Jortar–Atume Axis
In the first operation, troops moved against a suspected bandit kingpin and his gang who had reportedly established an illegal kidnapping checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis of Ukum LGA. When soldiers closed in, the group opened fire, and troops responded, according to The Punch.
One suspect, known by the nickname "Cool Nigg@", was killed in the exchange. The rest of his associates fled, leaving behind a motorcycle that troops recovered from the scene.
Lt Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, confirmed the operations in a statement issued on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as reported by Daily Trust. He said: "On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigg@’, was neutralised."
"The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops," he added.
Two Suspects Held in Logo LGA
In a separate operation on the same day, soldiers acting on fresh intelligence went to Gou Village in Logo LGA and arrested two men suspected of planning a kidnapping. The suspects, Terhile Iyo, aged 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, aged 32, reportedly admitted to targeting Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of the same village.
Items seized from the duo included one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms. Both men remain in military custody as investigations continue.
Zubairu called on residents across the state to keep sharing timely and reliable information with security agencies. He said such intelligence remains essential to the success of ongoing operations. He reaffirmed that OPWS is committed to protecting lives and property and to dismantling criminal networks throughout Benue State.
Broader Security Operations
Recall that Operation Fansan Yamma troops killed several bandits, including Ado Alero’s son, during a major operation in Zamfara State. A military spokesperson confirmed significant casualties among bandits during the operation on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The Nigerian Armed Forces Facebook page claimed at least 65 terrorists were neutralised in that operation.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist attack on a village in Sokoto state on August 21, 2026. During that operation, soldiers neutralised one terrorist and recovered phones, cash, an ATM card, and recharge cards. In a separate incident, a 43-year-old kidnap victim was rescued in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
