Troops block bandits’ cross-border routes in Benue, Nasarawa axis

Troops operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have shut down key border corridors between Nasarawa and Benue states that were allegedly used by bandits to infiltrate rural communities, carry out attacks, and flee across state boundaries.

The development was made known by the Commanding Officer of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI, Lt. Col. Donatus Otobo, during an operational inspection of military units stationed in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Otobo explained that the battalion was deployed to Guma on July 12, 2025, after sustained banditry had transformed the council into a major security hotspot.

According to him, troops encountered fierce resistance immediately upon arrival, including multiple ambushes, but have since made significant progress in degrading criminal networks and reclaiming large portions of the area.

“From the day we entered this area, it was one form of attack or another. On our first day alone, we encountered over ten attacks. But today, we have been able to push the bandits out of our area of responsibility,” Otobo said.

He noted that Guma borders Awe, Keana and Doma local government areas in Nasarawa State, describing the axis as a notorious transit route used by bandits who exploit the rugged terrain and sparsely populated border settlements to launch surprise assaults.

According to the officer, continuous offensive patrols, permanent ambush positions and effective collaboration with military units in Nasarawa State have greatly limited the mobility of the criminals operating along the border.

“Whenever there is pressure from the Nasarawa axis, they attempt to move into Guma. We have blocked those routes and pushed them back.

As of today, we have achieved about 80 per cent security within our area of responsibility,” he said.

Otobo further disclosed that joint operations between troops in both states recently resulted in the arrest of a suspected criminal who crossed into Benue to attack local communities, adding that intelligence-driven operations remain central to maintaining security gains.

He also revealed that prior to the battalion’s deployment, residents were unable to access the Nasme axis or their farmlands due to frequent attacks.

With the improved security situation, however, normal economic activities have resumed, as farmers and traders now move freely along routes that were once deserted.

The commanding officer credited the progress recorded to sustained logistical and operational backing from the Chief of Army Staff, describing the unit as a rapid-response intervention force tasked with stabilising troubled areas before redeployment.

“Guma used to record an average of ten killings weekly. Today, we sometimes go three months without a single attack. That is the result of sustained military pressure,” he said.