Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have prevented attempts by terrorists to attack some communities in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation comes less than a week after suspected armed herders and local bandits, numbering in the thousands, ambushed and killed 11 security officers from the police and Civil Protection Guards, known as Anyam Nyom, in Katsina-Ala LGA.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi by OPWS Acting Media Information Officer Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the troops foiled the bandits’ plans to attack Agurugu and Igyudu villages between September 26 and 28, 2025.
“The operations, conducted between September 26 and 28, foiled plans by armed bandits and also resulted in the recovery of dangerous weapons, further boosting the confidence of residents in security agencies,” the statement partly read.
According to Zubairu, on September 26, forces stationed in Abaji got convincing intelligence about the movement of a group of bandits near Agurugu village.
The troops deployed to the region and confronted the criminals at Sheekan village, engaging them in a gunfight that led the bandits to flee.
He went on to say that on September 28, troops sent to Gbise encountered bandits while on a fighting patrol near Igyudu village.
He added that the terrorists abandoned their positions and fled during the confrontation.
Items recovered during the two operations include one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, thirty-three (33) 7.62mm special ammunition, fifteen (15) 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two (2) AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine (29) mobile phones abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
Other recovered items include a single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, one tear gas canister, assorted medical kits, and an Itel phone.
Zubairu reported Major General Gara, the OPWS Force Commander, as praising the troops for their bravery, quick response, and professionalism.
He went on to say that Gara assured the people of Katsina-Ala and surrounding areas of their protection and urged them to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to aid ongoing military operations.
“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighboring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” the force commander said.
