By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during a fighting patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, is part of ongoing efforts by the task force to disrupt criminal activities and dismantle bandit networks across its Joint Operations Area.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmed Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, and made available to FirmNews, the troops of Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits riding a motorcycle along the Gbise–Igyudu axis.
The statement said the troops, who were conducting a routine fighting patrol, positively identified the suspects as armed men and immediately engaged them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, one of the suspects was neutralised, while the second fled the scene after being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation in the area to ensure the fleeing suspect no longer posed an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Recovered items included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round.
Also recovered were a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms.
The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals.
According to the statement, such information remains vital to enabling troops to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging security threats.
The OPWS further assured residents that it would continue sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations across its areas of responsibility to dismantle criminal networks and prevent them from threatening the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
