Troops neutralise bandit, arrest multiple suspects in Benue, Nasarawa operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have stepped up intelligence-led operations across Benue and Nasarawa states, resulting in the neutralisation of a suspected armed bandit and the arrest of several individuals linked to armed robbery and cattle rustling.

In a statement released on 5 February 2026, the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed that personnel of Sector 1, acting on credible intelligence, confronted armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, on 3 February.

The statement noted that the troops, working alongside operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, engaged the armed group shortly after arriving in the community.

One suspected bandit was neutralised during the encounter, while an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition, and two magazines were recovered.

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

The suspect, Adam Paul, aged 34, was apprehended with an AK-47 rifle. Preliminary investigations indicated that the weapon was allegedly sourced from one Tela Obu of Duduguru Community in Obi LGA.

Two other suspects John Amos and Elisha also from Duduguru Community, reportedly escaped and are currently being pursued by security operatives.

Also on 4 February in Benue State, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion IX, deployed at Agbaragba, responded to a distress call concerning the alleged mobilisation of youths from Agagbe Community for cattle rustling.

On arrival, the troops found several dead cattle at different locations and arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation.

Similarly, on 5 February, troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agbagbe acted on intelligence suggesting that rustled cattle were being slaughtered inside a residential building in Agagbe Community.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene with mutilated meat believed to be from stolen cattle and are currently in custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.

Commending the troops, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised their alertness and determination, stating that the achievements reflect the military high command’s directive to intensify aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations.

He urged personnel to maintain the operational tempo to deter criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area and expressed gratitude to host communities and other security agencies for their continued support and cooperation.