Odita Sunday 
Troops Kill Four Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Fresh Benue, Taraba Security Sweep
By Odita Sunday
A major security crackdown across Benue and Taraba States has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks, with troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralising four suspected criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering weapons and dismantling an illicit drug syndicate linked to violent crimes in the region.
The operations, carried out between May 24 and 31, were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU, Lieutenant and Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.
According to the statement, the latest successes underscore the military’s sustained efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and drug-related crimes within the Joint Operations Area.
The operation began on May 24 when troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba-Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. On arrival, soldiers found two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Center in Gbajimba for treatment, while efforts to track down the attackers commenced.
On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada-Donga Road engaged suspected robbers in a firefight. Two of the armed robbers were neutralised during the encounter, while an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and N39,950 in cash were recovered.
In another operation on May 25, troops swiftly responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh-Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The military pressure forced the abductors to abandon their captives and flee. One suspect was arrested, while the two rescued victims were reunited with their families.
The military also intensified efforts against criminal supply chains by targeting a notorious illicit drug network believed to be fuelling insecurity in the area. Troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs alongside N781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation conducted on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers. Security operatives also recovered more illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 during the raid. The suspects are currently being processed for handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The most recent operation occurred on May 31 when troops, acting on intelligence reports, stormed a bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. During the raid, two bandits were neutralised and ammunition, along with other related items, was recovered.
Commending the troops for the successful operations, Force Commander Major General Moses Gara urged personnel to sustain the momentum in ongoing efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.
He also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, warning individuals who aid criminals through information leaks to desist from such activities or face the consequences of their actions.
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