Troops Neutralise Bandit, Recover Weapons In Katsina-Ala, Benue State

By Njideka Agbo

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have recorded another operational success following the neutralisation of a suspected bandit and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and other items along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops of Sector 1 were on a routine fighting patrol on September 2, 2026, when they encountered two suspected bandits on a motorcycle along the Gbise–Igyudu axis.

After positively identifying the armed suspects, the troops engaged them, sparking a fierce exchange of fire. One of the bandits was neutralised in the encounter, while the second fled after coming under superior firepower. Troops subsequently carried out a search and clearance operation around the area to ensure the fleeing suspect posed no further threat to nearby communities.

Items recovered from the scene include 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. Troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and some assorted charms.

The Force has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with troops and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals, noting that such information remains critical to mounting a swift and decisive response to emerging threats.

Operation WHIRL STROKE says it will continue to dominate its operational areas through sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying them the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.