In a decisive operation spanning two states, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims, arrested two suspects, and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in a major offensive across Benue and Taraba States.
The operation, which took place between August 2 and 3, 2025, was spearheaded by Commander Sector 1, Colonel K.O. Bukoye, with coordinated ground efforts from Sector 3 and vital air support. The mission targeted known criminal hideouts in Tse-Ahur and Chito communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Meanwhile, Sector 3 troops stationed in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, were strategically positioned to intercept fleeing insurgents.
According to Citizen Television Newsroom, troops engaged the bandits in fierce combat, overwhelming them with superior firepower. Two key suspects were captured, while several others fled, abandoning their hostages and weapons. A swift follow-up operation resulted in the successful rescue of 11 captives — four women and seven men — who were given immediate medical attention and are now undergoing profiling for reunification with their families.
Further search operations uncovered a large arms cache. Items recovered include four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, a locally fabricated Dane gun, 15 AK-47 magazines, three FN rifle magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 184 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, a pistol magazine, five smoke canisters, and a number of fetish charms believed to be used by the insurgents.
Troops also dismantled the bandits’ entire camp infrastructure, effectively cutting off their logistics and operational base.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, who was on ground to oversee the mission, lauded the troops’ courage, tactical coordination, and professionalism. He reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
General Gara also commended the Service Chiefs for their unwavering support and emphasized that OPWS would continue its momentum to restore peace and security across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.
The latest offensive represents a major stride in the military’s ongoing efforts to reclaim Nigeria’s Middle Belt from the grip of insurgents and armed gangs.
