Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have rescued an injured herder and arrested suspected cattle rustlers in Benue State, as security forces intensify efforts to break cycles of violence linked to herder-farmer tensions.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, February 16, 2026, by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
According to the statement, troops responded swiftly on February 15 to a distress call reporting an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam in Guma Local Government Area. Upon arrival, soldiers found that one herder had been killed, while another sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical treatment. The body of the deceased herder was later handed over to community representatives for burial in line with local customs.
In a related operation the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by local youths regarding suspected cattle rustling activities in the area. The intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba.
Security sources said the suspect confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders and named two accomplices—Akpehe and Ashinge—who are currently on the run.
Further investigations led troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, identified as the wife of an alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was arrested. Recovered meat believed to be linked to the rustled cattle was also seized. Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Reacting to the incidents, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Moses Gara, condemned the killing and criminal activities, describing them as threats to peace and coexistence in the region.
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to ending attacks on innocent civilians and curbing cattle rustling across the Joint Operations Area, warning that perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued.
Major General Gara also appealed to community leaders and residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing remains crucial to restoring lasting peace and protecting lives and property in affected communities.
Source: Africa Publicity
