By Samuel Ike, Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised a suspected kidnap kingpin and arrested two other suspected kidnappers in separate security operations conducted across Benue State.

The development was disclosed by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to the statement, troops acting on credible intelligence on August 19, 2026, moved against a criminal gang operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis in Benue State.

Lieutenant Zubairu said the troops encountered the suspected criminals upon arrival at the location, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the operation, one of the suspects, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga” and believed to be a notorious bandit leader, was killed.

He explained that other members of the gang fled the scene under pressure from the advancing troops, abandoning a motorcycle which was subsequently recovered by security personnel.

In a separate operation conducted in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly attempted to kidnap Mrs. Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of Gou village, before they were apprehended by security forces.

The OPWS spokesperson disclosed that both suspects made useful statements during interrogation, providing investigators with information that could assist ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating within the area.

Items recovered from the suspects included a locally fabricated pistol, one live cartridge, five TECNO torchlight mobile phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, several SIM cards, and assorted charms.

The recovered exhibits have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation, while the suspects remain in military detention pending further interrogation and possible prosecution.

Lieutenant Zubairu reiterated the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening peace and security in Benue and neighbouring states.

He noted that the joint task force would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across its operational areas.

The spokesman further assured residents of Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states of the military’s determination to protect lives and property, urging members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities.

The latest operations underscore the ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence among communities affected by insecurity across the North-Central region.