Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion IX, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have sustained operational momentum with the neutralisation of two suspected armed bandits during a snap ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road in Benue State.
The operation was conducted on January 26, 2026, after troops deployed at Naka received credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits within the area. Acting swiftly, the troops laid a tactical ambush along the identified route and engaged the suspects.
During the encounter, three suspected bandits were sighted. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with a gunshot injury. An AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene.
Following the operation, troops have continued aggressive fighting patrols across the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action and further degrade their activities.
Commenting on the success, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, said the outcome reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of the troops. He reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to sustaining operational tempo and conducting coordinated operations to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area.
