By Miriam Humbe
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have ramped up intelligence-led patrols across their area of responsibility (AoR) in Benue State, as part of proactive measures to eliminate identified threats ahead of the farming season.
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu disclosed this in a statement.
These efforts have yielded notable successes against criminal groups, particularly cattle rustlers and armed bandits, fostering a safer environment for local communities reliant on agriculture.
On 23 March 2026, soldiers stationed at Ayilamo acted decisively on credible intelligence from residents in Anyiin about suspected cattle rustling along the Anyiin–Ugba road.
In a coordinated raid with Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp Agro Rangers, four suspects were detained with remnants of butchered cows in their possession.
The individuals were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
Troops also sourced veterinary care for injured livestock, so as to engender lawful economic activities.
Simultaneously, troops of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Otukpo, supported by the Quick Response Group, stormed a notorious criminal hideout at Amla Icho.
While several suspects escaped into the bush, five were captured.
The Operation uncovered a cache of locally made firearms, mobile phones, hard drugs, and spent cartridges, highlighting the syndicates’ involvement in broader criminal enterprises beyond cattle rustling.
In the same vein, troops conducted Clearance patrols in Mbapa and Mbabuande villages resulted in the arrest of four additional suspects.
During one encounter, one armed criminal attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon and was neutralised in a brief exchange of fire.
Other members of the criminal gang scampered away.
In another incident reported on the same day, Troops rescued an injured herder, Idris Abubakar, who had been assaulted while tending his cattle.
He was swiftly evacuated for medical treatment.
Elsewhere, three alleged cattle rustlers were nabbed at Zongo Akiki and transferred to police custody.
The momentum continued into 24 March 2026, when a night patrol at Uhembe village foiled another rustling attempt.
Suspects fled, abandoning stolen cattle and a get-away vehicle, which troops recovered intact.
These successes stem from robust community partnerships, with locals providing vital intelligence that enables swift responses.
The pre-wet season farming offensive is crucial in Benue State, where farmer-herder clashes often escalate during planting seasons, threatening food security and displacing thousands.
By disrupting these networks early, Operation WHIRL STROKE not only curbs immediate threats but also deters future incursions, promoting co-existence.
The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara has reiterated the command’s resolve to maintain these intelligence-driven initiatives, ensuring a peaceful environment for farming activities and enduring stability across the region.
