Troops Seize Ammunition, Grenade In Benue Crackdown

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) on Monday disclosed the confiscation of over 57 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, four AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, and 30 mobile phones during an intensified operation between 26 and 28 September 2025.

The HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmed Zubairu, said the operation, conducted in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, foiled plans by armed bandits moving in Agurugu and Igyudu villages in the state.

On 26 September 2025, troops deployed in Abaji received credible intelligence about the movement of a group of bandits in Agurugu village.

Acting swiftly, the troops mobilised to the area and made contact with the armed criminals at Sheekan village.

According to Zubairu, the bandits had fled in disarray over failure to withstand the “superior firepower of the gallant” soldiers.

A subsequent search of the scene led to the recovery of “one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, 33 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two AK-47 magazines, and 29 mobile phones” abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

Similarly, on 28 September 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”.

He noted that no casualties were recorded during both operations.

The Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism.

He noted that the operation was a clear indication that the strategies being employed by the Nigerian Army and sister security agencies are producing tangible results.

“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 emphasised.

Gara further assured the people of Katsina-Ala and adjoining communities of their safety while urging them to continue providing credible and timely information to aid ongoing military operations.