Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dealt a significant blow to armed bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, foiling coordinated attacks and recovering a cache of weapons in a series of successful operations.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu said the offensive, conducted between 26 and 28 September 2025, has not only disrupted criminal networks but also boosted residents’ confidence in the ability of security forces to restore lasting peace.
On 26 September, OPWS troops deployed at Abaji responded swiftly to intelligence reports indicating the movement of armed bandits towards Agurugu village. Acting on the tip-off, soldiers mobilized to Sheekan village where they made direct contact with the criminals.
Faced with superior firepower, the bandits fled in disarray, abandoning weapons and other items. A thorough search of the area yielded significant recoveries including one automatic pistol, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, thirty-three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, fifteen rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine mobile phones suspected to have been stolen.
In a related operation on 28 September, troops stationed at Gbise carried out a fighting patrol to Igyudu village following reports of fresh bandit activity. Once again, the advancing soldiers forced the armed criminals to abandon their positions and escape.
The patrol team recovered a single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, a hand grenade, a tear gas canister, assorted medical supplies believed to be for treating wounded fighters, and an Itel mobile phone.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, applauded the troops for their gallantry, quick response, and professionalism. He described the operations as evidence of the growing effectiveness of joint security strategies in tackling banditry and other violent crimes in Benue and neighbouring states.
“Our troops have continued to show resilience and determination in the face of security challenges. These latest successes demonstrate that the tactics we are employing are producing tangible results. We remain fully committed to ensuring that communities across Benue and beyond enjoy peace and security,” Gara stated.
General Gara further reassured residents of Katsina-Ala and surrounding communities of their safety, calling on them to sustain cooperation with security agencies by sharing timely intelligence.
He stressed that the trust and collaboration between the military and local communities have been key to recent successes, urging citizens not to relent in providing credible information that could further disrupt criminal networks.
The recent victories come at a time when rural communities in Benue have endured frequent attacks from armed groups. Security analysts say the successful raids will not only cripple the operational capacity of the bandits but also send a strong message of deterrence.
Residents in Katsina-Ala have welcomed the development, expressing renewed confidence in the military’s capacity to protect lives and property. Local leaders have also pledged greater support for ongoing operations, describing the troops’ presence as a major relief for communities that have long lived under the threat of violence.
