By Michael Odetunde
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and dismantled a notorious illicit drug network in a series of successful operations conducted across Benue and Taraba States between May 24 and May 31, 2026.
The achievements were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, June 1, which was available to Ribsmedia by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmed Zubairu.
According to the statement, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Upon arrival, the soldiers found two injured residents, who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre, Gbajimba, for medical treatment. A manhunt for the attackers is currently underway.
In Taraba State, troops on the same day responded to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road.
The troops engaged the robbers in a gun battle, neutralising two of them and recovering one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and ₦39,950 in cash.
On May 25, troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The abductors fled after sighting the troops, abandoning their captives. One suspect was arrested, while the two rescued victims were safely reunited with their families.
The statement further revealed that troops conducted intelligence-led operations against a notorious illicit drug syndicate operating within the OPWS Joint Operations Area as part of efforts to combat criminal activities fueling insecurity in the region.
During a search of a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23, troops recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs and ₦781,000 in cash. A follow-up operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers and the recovery of more illicit substances, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 in cash.
The arrested suspects are currently being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In another operation carried out on May 31, troops acting on credible intelligence raided a bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. During the operation, two bandits were neutralised, while ammunition and other related items were recovered.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and dedication, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, urged them to sustain the current operational tempo in order to consolidate gains recorded against criminal elements.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious persons and activities.
The commander further warned individuals who serve as informants to criminal groups to desist from such activities or face the consequences of their actions.
