In a major offensive operation aimed at flushing out bandits from their hideouts, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition across Benue and Taraba States.
The joint operation, which took place between August 2 and 3, 2025, was led by Commander of Sector 1, Col. K.O. Bukoye, with air support and coordination from Sector 3. The troops stormed criminal enclaves in Tse-Ahur and Chito areas of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, while Sector 3 positioned in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari LGA of Taraba State, blocked potential escape routes for fleeing insurgents.
Upon encountering the kidnappers’ camp, troops engaged in a fierce firefight, overpowering the criminals and arresting two key suspects. The remaining gang members fled, abandoning 11 captives—four women and seven men—who were later given immediate medical attention and are currently being processed for family reunification.
A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of a significant arsenal, including:
- 4 FN rifles
- 3 G3 rifles
- 4 AK-47 rifles
- 1 PKT machine gun
- 1 locally fabricated Dane gun
- 15 AK-47 magazines
- 3 FN rifle magazines
- 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 184 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition
- 1 pistol magazine
- 5 smoke canisters
- Several fetish charms
The bandits’ camp was destroyed during the raid, disrupting their logistical capabilities and safe haven in the area.
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, who was on ground to oversee the operation, praised the troops for their bravery.
“The resilience, gallantry, and fighting spirit demonstrated by our forces reflect our commitment to restoring peace in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States,” Gen. Gara told our news men.
He added that the operation was aligned with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the broader vision of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“We are aggressively pursuing all criminal elements wherever they hide. The synergy between our forces and other security stakeholders continues to produce results,” Gara emphasized.
He also thanked the CDS and the Service Chiefs for their “unwavering support and strategic guidance,” stating that the success of the mission would not have been possible without their input.
This latest success has adds to a string of recent victories by OPWS as part of a renewed military strategy to reclaim ungoverned spaces in Nigeria’s troubled Middle Belt region.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
