Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a high-profile suspected criminal during an intelligence-driven operation in Agasha Village of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, following a report of an attack on a local resident.
A statement by its Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Lieutenant Zubairu Ahmad revealed that theoperation was launched on 13 March 2026 after security agencies received credible information regarding an attack on Shaapera Seeta Michael in Agasha Village.
He said acting swiftly on the report, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI deployed under Operation whirl stroke mobilised immediately to the affected area to track down the suspect responsible for the assault.
According to Zubairu upon arrival, the troops cordoned the area to prevent the suspect from escaping while conducting a targeted search operation aimed at identifying and apprehending the alleged attacker.
The suspected militia member identified as Suurnen David Akum, aged 27, from Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area, was successfully apprehended by the troops.
A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered from the suspect during the arrest.
The suspect is under investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
In another development troops sustained pressure against criminal elements leading to the release of 5 kidnap victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Zubairu said the victims were released when it was apparent troops had closed in on the kidnappers leaving no room for them to manoeuvre.
He identified the victims as Babaji Muhammad, aged 40, who had spent ten days in captivity after being abducted along Chede Takun Road; Sunday Yamusa, 45 years, who had been held for one month and two weeks together with Annumba Obunde, 40 years and Babangida Ibbi, 41 years all abducted along Tor Donga Road while Doofan Ahula, 54 years was abducted along Chede – Takun Road and held for one month and two days.
Similarly on 13 March 2026, troops acting on further intelligence report about bandits’ activities at Mtam Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA, conducted a rapid response operation in the area.
Although the criminals fled having been tipped off by informants before the arrival of troops, they however conducted exploitation of the area and recovered several items including a pair of green camouflage, desert combat boots, one smoke grenade, 107 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane gun, six pistols, five pistol magazines, three FN rifle magazines, two motorcycles and several charms abandoned by the criminals.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WhirlStroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical approach which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect and rescue of victims.
He encouraged them to maintain the operational momentum and remain vigilant in the ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within the area.
