Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have intercepted a vehicle loaded with substances suspected to be hard drugs during a routine stop-and-search operation in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu said the incident occurred on 14 October 2025 around Anguwan Malama in Akwanga Local Government Area. Upon sighting the troops, the driver of the ash-coloured Toyota Solara, with registration number KJA-108FY (Lagos), abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes.
Although the troops immediately pursued the suspect, he managed to evade arrest. A search of the vehicle revealed several bags containing substances believed to be marijuana. The vehicle and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and subsequent handover to relevant authorities.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops through the Commander Sector 2, Brigadier General DC Nwakonobi, for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism that led to the successful interception.
He reiterated the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to sustaining inter-agency collaboration and maintaining security across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
