By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have scored another major success in the ongoing campaign to rid Benue State of violent criminal elements.
In a bold clearance operation conducted on Friday, 2nd August 2025, troops deployed to Tse Adudu in Makurdi Local Government Area recovered a cache of arms and ammunition abandoned by fleeing armed herders suspected to be responsible for repeated destruction of farmlands in Akpiti village, Gbanga and Tongo council ward.
The operation followed credible and timely intelligence volunteered by members of the local community, who reported fresh incidents of illegal cattle grazing and destruction of crops by suspected armed herdsmen.
Acting swiftly on the report, the troops stormed the area on motorcycles. Startled by the advancing force, the herders reportedly abandoned their cattle and escaped into the surrounding bush.In a detailed search of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The weapons were carefully wrapped in a blanket and hidden inside a makeshift hut, suggesting the armed elements intended to return later.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the recovery was described as a testament to the growing synergy between troops and local communities in tackling security threats.
Commending the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience and swift response in neutralising threats to rural peace.
He also applauded the patriotic conduct of residents who provided actionable intelligence that led to the success of the operation.General Gara reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace and security in the region, enhancing food production, and enabling safe socio-economic activities.
Major General Gara, called on the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that the war against banditry and criminal herders can only be won through strong military-civilian collaboration.
“With every operation, we are getting closer to reclaiming our communities from fear. This fight is collective, and the support of the people is our greatest weapon,” the Commander said.
As clearance patrols intensify across the region, the Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to flush out all criminal elements and ensure a secure environment for law-abiding citizens across the North-Central zone.
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