By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, OPWS, have sustained aggressive fighting patrols across the Joint Operations Area, recording another operational success with the neutralisation of one suspected bandit and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement on 2 September 2026, the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said troops of Sector 1 were conducting a routine fighting patrol when they encountered two suspected bandits on a motorcycle along the Gbise–Igyudu axis.
“After a positive identification of the armed suspects, troops immediately engaged the suspects resulting in a fierce exchange of fire,” the statement said.
During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second suspect fled the scene when subdued by superior firepower. The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation around the area to ensure that the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to surrounding communities.
Items recovered during the operation include one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round. Troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and some assorted charms from the scene.
The Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with troops and other security and law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals.
“Such information remains critical to swift and decisive response to emerging threats,” the statement added.
Operation WHIRL STROKE said it will continue to dominate its operational areas through sustained patrols and other intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying them the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.
