Troops of the Maritime Component of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have repelled an attack by armed criminals and recovered two AK-47 rifles and other items during an intelligence-led operation in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, conducted on October 26, 2026, followed credible intelligence that suspected criminals posing as herders had crossed from neighbouring Nasarawa State into Guma.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops came under gunfire upon arriving at the identified location.
The troops responded effectively, repelled the attack and forced the armed suspects to flee. No casualty was recorded among the security personnel.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four empty AK-47 magazines, eight calves, three mobile phones, a National Identification Number (NIN) document belonging to one Umar Yusuf, and ₦20 in cash.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, commended the troops for their vigilance, swift response and successful recovery of the items.
Gara urged the troops to strengthen collaboration with local communities and sustain intelligence-led operations to prevent criminal activities and improve security across the joint operations area.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible and actionable intelligence, noting that their cooperation remained vital to ongoing security operations.
The commander encouraged residents to maintain their support for security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.
