Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified their crackdown on criminal elements across the North Central region, recording another success in Benue State where they neutralised a bandit and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, took place in Mbagen Community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the raid was executed after intelligence reports revealed the presence of a notorious armed gang in the area.
Ground troops, with aerial support from the Air Component of Operation Whirl Stroke, stormed the hideout and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel. During the exchange of fire, one bandit was neutralised, while the gang leader narrowly escaped with injuries.
A thorough search of the scene led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, a G3 magazine, a 36-hand grenade, two BAOFENG radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a Sanya motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal operations.
In a statement following the raid, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their courage, discipline, and tactical precision, describing the operation as a major step toward restoring peace in the affected communities.
He noted that the successful clearance mission had further disrupted the network of criminal gangs behind killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes across Benue and its neighbouring states.
Major General Gara reaffirmed the military’s zero tolerance for banditry and terrorism, warning criminal groups operating within Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States to surrender or face decisive military force. He also charged troops to maintain professionalism, stay combat-ready, and continue honing their skills to address evolving security challenges.
Reassuring residents of continued military presence, the Commander pledged that Operation Whirl Stroke would sustain its aggressive operations until all threats to peace and stability in the region are completely neutralised.
