Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have neutralized a suspected kidnapper and arrested two others in separate operations across Benue State.
Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the acting media information officer for the OPWS, revealed this in a statement released to journalists on Sunday.
According to an OPWS spokeswoman, on August 19, 2026, forces intercepted a suspected bandit kingpin and his companions who were operating an unlawful roadblock along the Jortar-Atume axis.
The statement read, “On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga,’ was neutralized.
“The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.”
The OPWS spokesperson also stated that two suspected kidnappers were apprehended in a separate operation in Gou, Logo Local Government Area, of the state.
He said the two suspects, Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32, admitted to attempting to kidnap Mrs. Balame Nyikwagh from Gou village.
Lt. Zubairu identified the items recovered from the suspects as one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five TECNO torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, several SIM cards, and charms and stated that the suspects were still in military custody pending further investigation.
While assuring citizens in its areas of operation in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states of its commitment to preserving lives and property, the force encouraged them to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
