Operation WHIRL STROKE has intensified pressure on criminal networks operating across Benue and Taraba States, neutralising four suspected criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling an illicit drug distribution network during a series of coordinated operations conducted between 24 and 31 May 2026.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Monday, 1 June 2026
Time: 11:45 WAT
Location: 📍 Makurdi, Nigeria
The troops operating across the Joint Operations Area recorded multiple tactical successes during the review period as part of ongoing efforts to degrade criminal infrastructure and restore stability across affected communities, as contained in a statement issued by Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
The operations commenced on 24 May following reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Troops deployed to the scene and evacuated two injured residents to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while efforts to track down the attackers were immediately activated.
On the same day, troops responding to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga axis in Taraba State engaged the criminals in a firefight, neutralising two armed robbers. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition and cash believed to be linked to the criminal activity.
Operational pressure continued on 25 May when troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo route in Makurdi Local Government Area. The approaching troops forced the abductors to abandon two victims and flee the area, while one suspect was apprehended during the operation. The rescued victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
Beyond direct combat operations, troops also targeted criminal support networks believed to be fuelling insecurity within the theatre. Acting on intelligence, forces intercepted a vehicle in Makurdi and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside ₦781,000 in cash. Follow-up operations conducted on 27 May led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug traffickers, with more illicit substances, a motorcycle and additional cash recovered. Military authorities disclosed that the suspects are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The latest operation occurred on 31 May when troops acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The raid resulted in the neutralisation of two bandits and the recovery of ammunition and related combat items.
The operations underscore a broader security strategy focused not only on armed groups but also on the logistics chains, criminal economies and support structures that sustain violence across the region. Security officials view the disruption of these networks as critical to consolidating stability and denying criminal elements operational freedom.
Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended troops for sustaining operational momentum across the Joint Operations Area and urged them to maintain pressure on criminal elements. He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and actionable intelligence, while warning individuals collaborating with criminal groups to desist from activities capable of undermining ongoing security efforts.
🏷️ Tags: Operation Whirl Stroke, Benue Security, Taraba Security, Counter Banditry, Anti Kidnapping Operations, Nigerian Army, Internal Security Operations, Drug Trafficking Crackdown, Katsina Ala, Makurdi
#OperationWhirlStroke #NigerianArmy #BenueSecurity #TarabaSecurity #CounterBanditry #AntiKidnapping #NationalSecurity #InternalSecurity #DefenceWatch #ZigDiaries
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