SAA event in Nigeria on Wed 2nd September 2026

Operation Whirl Stroke troops neutralise suspected bandit, recover weapons in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have neutralised one suspected bandit and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during a fighting patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation took place on Wednesday, Sept. 2, when troops of Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits riding on a motorcycle along the axis. According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops engaged the suspects after positively identifying them, leading to an exchange of fire.

During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second fled the scene as troops gained the upper hand. The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation around the area to ensure the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.

Recovered items included 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. The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms from the scene.

The task force said the operation formed part of its sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and denying armed groups freedom of movement within the Joint Operations Area.

Operation Whirl Stroke urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals to security agencies. The force reiterated its commitment to sustaining patrols and other operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and protecting law-abiding citizens across its area of responsibility.