Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have killed four suspected bandits, rescued kidnap victims and recovered AK-47 rifles during operations across Benue and Taraba states.

In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE, Ahmad Zubairu, said troops dismantled criminal hideouts during operations conducted between May 24 and 31, 2026.

“On 24 May 2026, following reports of an armed herder attack along Gbajimba–Agasha road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, troops deployed to the scene and found two injured locals,” he said. 

He said that the victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while a manhunt for the assailants was ongoing.

Mr Zubairu stated that on the same day in Taraba State, troops responded to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga road and came into contact with the robbers.

“Troops engaged the criminals and neutralised two armed robbers and recovered one AK 47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition, and cash sum of N39,950.

“On May 25, troops responded to a kidnap report along Road Antegh–Zongo in Makurdi LGA, Benue State. Troops intercepted the abductors who abandoned two victims and fled,” he added. 

Mr Zubairu said a suspect was arrested while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.

He added that troops also conducted intelligence-led operations against a notorious illicit drug syndicate.

“Troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on 23 May 2026 and recovered 641 pieces of illicit drugs as well as  ₦781,000 in cash. 

“A follow-up operation on 27 May led to the arrest of three more suspected drug peddlers, with additional substances, a motorcycle and ₦40,000. Arrested persons are being processed to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” said Mr Zubairu.

He added that on May 31, 2026, troops acting on intelligence raided a bandit enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala LGA, killing two bandits and recovering ammunition and other related items.