By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have intensified efforts to rid Benue State of criminal elements, following a successful raid on a suspected cultist hideout in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the state capital.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the operation was conducted on 30 October 2025 as part of ongoing measures to curb cultism, armed robbery, and other criminal activities within Makurdi and its environs.
During the raid, troops apprehended seven (7) suspected cultists allegedly involved in various unlawful acts, including armed robbery, drug trafficking, and cult-related violence. Items recovered from the hideout include two (2) locally fabricated pistols, one (1) laptop, one (1) cartridge, one (1) round of 7.62mm ammunition, one (1) empty 7.62mm shell casing, one (1) dagger, and several bags containing charms and other incriminating materials.
All arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, after which they will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
The Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, lauded the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment in executing the operation. He urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal networks and ensure lasting peace in the region.
General Gara also cautioned young people, particularly students in tertiary institutions, to desist from cultism, drug abuse, and other antisocial behaviours, emphasizing that such acts destroy lives and communities. He called on youths to embrace discipline, patriotism, and respect for the rule of law as guiding principles for peaceful coexistence.
The Force Commander reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining peace, and promoting stability across its Joint Operations Area.
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