Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), led by Commander Sector 1, Col. K.O. Bukoye, and supported by the Air Component, have continued offensive operations in Benue and Taraba states.
The renewed and well-coordinated operation to stamp out criminal elements and flush out bandits from their enclaves took place between August 2 and 3, 2025.
The high-impact operation was carried out simultaneously in Tse-Ahur and Chito areas of Ukum Local Council of Benue State, with Sector 3 providing a strategic blocking position in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari Local Council of Taraba State to interdict fleeing insurgents.
The deliberate manoeuvre and multi-sectoral coordination clearly demonstrated operational depth and tactical dexterity in the joint environment.
The troops, upon making contact with the kidnappers’ stronghold, engaged the adversary with superior firepower, resulting in the arrest of two key suspects, while others escaped and abandoned their captives and arsenal.
A decisive search-and-rescue exploitation that followed led to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, comprising four females and seven males, who were immediately given medical attention and profiled for onward reunification with their families.
Further search of the area resulted in the recovery of a sizeable cache of arms and ammunition, including four FN rifles, three G-3 rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, one locally-fabricated Dane Gun, 15 AK-47 magazines, three FN rifle magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 184 rounds of 7.62mm, 54 ammunition, one pistol magazine, five smoke discharge canisters, and several fetish charms.
The operation culminated in the total destruction of the bandits’ camp and logistics within the general area, thereby denying the criminals their freedom of action and logistics support.
Reacting to the operational breakthrough, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, who coordinated the operation, applauded the resilience, gallantry, and fighting spirit of the troops for maintaining offensive momentum and tactical initiative against the enemies of the state.
He reiterated that OPWS remains committed to aggressively pursuing criminals wherever they may be hiding, in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the overall vision of the armed forces of Nigeria.
He extended profound appreciation to the CDS and the service chiefs for their unwavering strategic guidance, logistics support and collaborative synergy in sustaining the successes recorded by Operation Whirl Stroke.
Gara affirmed that the current operational successes were made possible due to the continuous enabling environment, prompt deployment of critical enablers, and synergy among the various security, law enforcement and intelligence stakeholders.
He said that the troops would maintain operational pressure, dominate the battle space, and restore peace and security to Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.
