Security forces under the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have recorded fresh operational gains against banditry, armed robbery, and cattle rustling in parts of Benue and Nasarawa States, with the neutralisation of an armed bandit and the arrest of five criminal suspects in coordinated, intelligence-led operations.
The latest developments were disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu. According to the statement, the operations form part of sustained efforts by the task force to curb violent crime and restore security in rural communities across the Joint Operations Area.
Armed Bandit Neutralised in Katsina-Ala
The statement revealed that on February 3, 2026, troops of Sector 1, OPWS, acting on credible intelligence, moved against suspected armed herders operating in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation was carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
On arrival at the location, the troops reportedly encountered armed elements, leading to a brief exchange during which one armed bandit was neutralised. Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition, and two magazines. Military authorities said the recovery further confirms the involvement of armed criminal groups in attacks and insecurity within the area.
Suspected Armed Robber Arrested in Nasarawa
In a related operation on February 4, 2026, troops of Sector 2, OPWS, stationed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State, acted on actionable intelligence provided by a local hunter. The intelligence indicated the presence of suspected armed robbers along the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area, leading to the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect, identified as Adam Paul. One AK-47 rifle was recovered from him. Preliminary interrogation showed that the weapon was allegedly sourced from one Tela Obu, a resident of Duduguru Community in Obi LGA.
Two other suspects, identified as John Amos and Elisha, both from the same community, reportedly escaped during the operation. Security forces say efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Cattle Rustling Ring Busted in Agagbe
Also on February 4, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion IX, deployed at Agbaragba in Benue State, responded to a distress call from residents over the alleged mobilisation of youths from Agagbe community to rustle cattle.
Upon reaching the area, troops discovered several dead cattle at different locations. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation and prosecution.
The crackdown continued the following day, February 5, when troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agagbe received intelligence that some youths were butchering meat from rustled cattle inside a residential building within Agagbe community.
Two suspects were apprehended at the scene while allegedly in possession of mutilated and butchered meat believed to have been obtained from stolen cattle. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to ongoing cattle rustling activities in the area, which authorities say have continued to threaten livelihoods and fuel insecurity in farming communities.
Military Commends Troops, Communities
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for what he described as their resilience, vigilance, and aggressive posture in denying criminal elements freedom of action.
He said the successes align with directives from the military high command for commanders to intensify intelligence-driven operations and aggressive fighting patrols. Major General Gara urged troops to sustain the momentum and maintain high operational efficiency to deter and neutralise criminal activities across the region.
The OPWS commander also expressed appreciation to local communities, hunters, and other security agencies for their cooperation, noting that timely intelligence and community support have played a critical role in the successes recorded so far.
Source: Africa Publicity
