Troops Kill Four Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Benue, Taraba Crackdown

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered arms during a series of operations across Benue and Taraba states.

In a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the military said two armed robbers were killed during an operation along the Rafin Kada–Donga road in Taraba State, where troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and cash.

Troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State and rescued two abducted victims after the kidnappers abandoned them and fled. One suspect was arrested.

The operation also led to the dismantling of a suspected drug trafficking network in Makurdi, where troops recovered 641 illicit drugs and ₦821,000 in cash, while four suspected drug peddlers were arrested and are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a separate intelligence-led raid on a bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, troops killed two bandits and recovered ammunition.

Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for the successes and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.