Troops Neutralise Two Suspected Bandits in Kogi Forest

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have neutralised two suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation along the Adankolo–Apata Road in Kogi State.

The operation, conducted on October 31, 2026, followed intelligence reports on the movement of suspected terrorists around communities in Kabba-Bunu and Lokoja Local Government Areas of the state.

According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops laid an ambush along a suspected bandits’ supply route and engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee.

The statement said troops subsequently received information around 9 a.m. about the discovery of suspected bandits’ bodies towards Adankolo Forest.

On reaching the location, the troops recovered the bodies of two suspected bandits alongside a locally made pistol, one cartridge and an empty case of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and General Officer Commanding 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their gallantry and successful execution of the operation.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.

The Force commanding officer reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to protect lives and property across its area of responsibility.