Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Whirl Stroke have intensified security operations across communities in Benue State, recording fresh successes against criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area. The intelligence-led missions led to the arrest of suspected cattle rustlers, recovery of stolen livestock and the neutralisation of armed criminals attempting to infiltrate local communities.
The troops, while conducting routine patrols and targeted operations in vulnerable areas, disrupted several criminal activities linked to cattle rustling and armed attacks. Security sources said the renewed offensive forms part of ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and protect lives and property across the state.
During one of the operations around Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion IX intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle conveying three rustled cows along the Ologba–Egba road. The troops immediately apprehended three suspects found in the vehicle and recovered the stolen livestock.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle used for the operation carried a fake registration number purportedly belonging to the Kogi State Government, suggesting an attempt by the suspects to evade security detection.
In separate operations carried out at Abuja Village and Gbajimba, troops engaged armed criminals in ambushes, successfully neutralising some of them. The soldiers also repelled an early-morning attack on their position, forcing the attackers to retreat into nearby hideouts.
In another development, troops arrested a suspect who attempted to escape with stolen cows using a boat. The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their efforts and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to help sustain the ongoing operations.