Troop arrest suspected high-profile criminal in Benue

Troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke have apprehended a suspected high-profile criminal during an intelligence-led operation in Agasha Village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following an alleged attack on a resident.

In a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the operation was launched on March 13, 2026, after security agencies received credible intelligence that Mr Shaapera Seeta Michael had been attacked in the community. 

Acting on the information, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI under Operation Whirl Stroke quickly moved to the area to track down the suspect linked to the incident.

Upon arrival, the troops cordoned off the area to prevent the suspect from escaping while conducting a targeted search aimed at identifying and apprehending the alleged attacker. 

The suspected militia member identified as Mr Suurnen David Akum, aged 27, from Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area, was successfully arrested by the troops. 

A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered from the suspect during the operation. The suspect is currently under investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical approach which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect. 

He encouraged them to maintain the operational momentum and remain vigilant in the ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within the area.

“The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical approach which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect. 

He encouraged them to maintain the operational momentum and remain vigilant in the ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within the area.”