Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralized an armed criminal and recovered weapons during a deliberate ambush operation in Benue State, while also arresting a suspect in possession of a locally fabricated pistol in Nasarawa State.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the operation was conducted on 15 October 2025, east of Ayilamo in Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The troops made contact with the criminal elements, neutralizing one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Following the encounter, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and fourteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. They have since maintained patrols in the area to reassure and restore confidence among residents.
In a separate operation the same day, troops of Sub-Sector 2, deployed at Maraba Udege Community, Nasarawa Local Government Area, responded to a distress call from Maraba Market reporting a man armed with a pistol. The suspect, identified as Mr. Ramanu Elizabeth, was apprehended and a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from him. Both the suspect and the weapon are currently in custody for further investigation.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical precision. He urged them to sustain the momentum of operations to ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.
Operation WHIRL STROKE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting innocent lives, dismantling criminal networks, and maintaining peace across its Joint Operations Area.
