Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have continued to intensify aggressive operations against criminal elements in Benue State, recording yet another breakthrough in Katsina-Ala Local Government (LG) of the state.
The operations, conducted between 26 and 28 September 2025, foiled plans by armed bandits and also resulted in the recovery of dangerous weapons ,further boosting the confidence of residents in security agencies.
The Force Commander ,OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, made available to newsmen in Makurdi , yesterday.
According to the Commander, “On 26 September 2025, troops deployed at Abaji received credible intelligence on the movement of a group of bandits at Agurugu village.
“Acting swiftly, the troops mobilized to the area and made contact with the armed criminals at Sheekan village. Unable to withstand the superior firepower of the gallant soldiers, the bandits fled in disarray.”
Gara said that subsequent search of the scene led to the recovery of one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, a total of 33 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two AK-47 magazines, and 29 mobile phones abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
He also stated that on September 28, 2025, troops deployed at Gbise, embarked on a fighting patrol towards Igyudu village, in response to reports of banditry in the community.
“On sighting the advancing soldiers, the bandits again, abandoned their positions and fled. The troops conducted a thorough search of the entire village, recovering one single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, one tear gas canister, assorted medical kits, and an Itel phone.”
The Force Commander praised the troops for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism, saying that the gallantry displayed in dislodging the bandits is a clear indication that the strategies being employed by the Nigerian Army and sister security agencies are producing tangible results.
He pledged that,”We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured.”
He further assured the people of Katsina-Ala and adjoining communities of their safety, while urging them to continue to providing credible and timely information to aid ongoing military operations
