Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded another operational success in the ongoing campaign against criminal elements, neutralising a suspected terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle during a swift anti-kidnap operation in Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint, Benue State.
The successful operation, which took place on 2 July 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that armed kidnappers were planning to carry out criminal activities in the area. Acting on the timely information, troops stationed at Kyado immediately mobilised to the suspected location to prevent the criminals from executing their plans.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops encountered the armed suspects shortly after arriving at the location, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The military said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals into disarray. At the end of the encounter, one suspected terrorist was neutralised, while others are believed to have escaped with varying degrees of injuries into the surrounding area.
Following the operation, troops conducted a search of the scene and recovered one AK-47 rifle along with two empty magazines. The recovery, according to the statement, represents another significant setback for criminal groups operating within the Joint Operations Area and demonstrates the determination of Operation WHIRL STROKE to deny armed groups the freedom to operate.
The military further disclosed that preliminary indicators suggest the neutralised suspect may have been a member of the criminal gang responsible for the attack on commuters on 1 July 2026. The attack reportedly left several victims injured, including the former Secretary to the Benue State Government, who sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.
Although investigations are still ongoing to establish the full identity of the suspect and confirm links to previous attacks, the military noted that available intelligence points to a possible connection with the notorious gang involved in recent acts of violence and kidnapping within the area.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and prompt response to actionable intelligence. He described the operation as another demonstration of the force’s readiness to respond decisively to emerging security threats.
The Force Commander urged personnel to sustain the momentum by intensifying aggressive fighting patrols, surveillance operations and intelligence-driven missions aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens across the Joint Operations Area.
He stressed that persistent operational pressure remains essential to dismantling criminal networks and restoring confidence among residents affected by insecurity.
Major General Gara also praised the continued collaboration among security agencies operating within the theatre. He noted that effective intelligence sharing and coordinated operations have significantly enhanced the ability of security forces to respond swiftly to security threats.
According to him, sustained inter-agency cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting peace, security and stability across communities within the Operation WHIRL STROKE area of responsibility.
The Force Commander called on all security stakeholders to remain united in the collective effort to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening the safety of communities in the region.
He also reassured residents that Operation WHIRL STROKE remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, as well as maintaining sustained offensive operations against criminal elements wherever they may be found.
The Joint Task Force appealed to members of the public to continue supporting ongoing security efforts by providing timely, accurate and credible information on suspicious movements and criminal activities. It assured citizens that all useful intelligence received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly to enhance public safety.
Operation WHIRL STROKE has continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations across its Joint Operations Area in recent months as part of broader efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed banditry and other violent crimes. The latest operation adds to a series of recent successes recorded by the task force in its sustained campaign to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace across affected communities. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
