Benue: Soldiers gun down two bandits along Naka–Makurdi road

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Joint Task Force have killed two suspected bandits during a security operation along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State.

Local sources told PUNCH Online on Monday that the suspects allegedly mounted the highway, prompting residents to raise an alarm. Following a distress call from the community, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the suspects in a gun battle, during which two of them were neutralised.

The Naka–Makurdi corridor was previously notorious for kidnappings and violent attacks by armed bandits, forcing motorists to abandon the route for an extended period.

However, security on the road improved significantly following the deployment of additional security personnel to Benue State, particularly after the Yelwata massacre in June last year. This development encouraged motorists to resume using the route.

The suspected bandits were said to have resurfaced on Monday, January 26, in an attempt to disrupt activities along the road before residents of Ahume community in Gwer West Local Government Area alerted security forces.

Confirming the incident, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the suspects were neutralised during a snap ambush operation.

“Two suspected armed bandits were neutralised during a snap ambush conducted on January 26, 2026, along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi road in Benue State,” Zubairu stated.

He added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the task force to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents and road users.