The Joint Task Force under Operation WHIRL STROKE has announced a series of coordinated military operations across Benue and Taraba States, resulting in the neutralisation of four suspected criminals, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.
The operation, conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026, also led to the dismantling of a suspected drug trafficking network operating within the affected areas.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
According to the statement, the operations targeted armed robbers, kidnappers, bandits, and suspected drug traffickers across the joint operational zone.
In one of the incidents on May 24, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where they discovered two injured victims.
The victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment, while troops launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops engaged suspected armed robbers along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road in a gun duel, killing two suspects and recovering an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and ₦39,950.
In another operation on May 25, troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, where suspected abductors fled after sighting advancing troops.
One suspect was arrested, while two kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families.
READ ALSO:Â PICTORIAL: Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Kill Terrorist In Kogi
The task force further reported significant gains in its anti-drug trafficking operations. On May 23, troops intercepted a vehicle in Makurdi containing 641 suspected illicit drug parcels and ₦781,000 in cash.
A follow-up intelligence-driven operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspects, with further recovery of drugs, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000. The suspects are expected to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.
On May 31, troops stormed a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, where two more suspects were neutralised and weapons were recovered.
Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their operational successes and urged them to sustain the momentum in ongoing security efforts.
He also called on residents of affected communities to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, warning that individuals aiding criminal activities would face severe consequences.