OPWS Neutralises Four Criminals, Rescues Kidnap Victims, Recovers Arms in Benue, Taraba Operations

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling a notorious illicit drug network.

The operations, conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026, also led to the arrest of suspected criminals and the recovery of illicit substances and cash, according to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.

The statement disclosed that on May 24, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Upon arrival, soldiers found two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment. A manhunt for the attackers is ongoing.

On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle. Two armed robbers were neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition, and cash amounting to ₦39,950.

In another operation on May 25, troops responded to a kidnapping incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The kidnappers reportedly abandoned their victims and fled upon sighting the troops. Two kidnapped persons were rescued and reunited with their families, while one suspect was arrested.

The military also intensified efforts against criminal networks sustaining insecurity in the region. Following intelligence-led operations against a notorious drug syndicate, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside ₦781,000 in cash.

A follow-up operation conducted on May 27 resulted in the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers.

 Troops recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 during the raid. The suspects are being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

In the latest operation on May 31, troops acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected 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 efforts, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, urged personnel to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area.

He also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspected criminals, warning informants who collaborate with criminal groups to desist from such activities or face the consequences of their actions.

The OPWS commander reaffirmed the military's commitment to restoring peace and security across Benue, Taraba, and neighbouring states within its area of responsibility.