News
Troops eliminate four suspected criminals, rescue kidnap victims in Benue, Taraba
The Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE says its troops have killed four suspected criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, and dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network during coordinated operations carried out in parts of Benue and Taraba states between May 24 and 31, 2026.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the operations were directed at armed robbers, kidnappers, bandits, and suspected drug traffickers operating within the joint operational area across both states.
The statement noted that troops deployed to the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24 following reports of an armed herder attack and found two injured residents at the scene.
“The victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while a manhunt for the assailants is ongoing,” the statement said.
Also on May 24, troops responded to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road in Taraba State, where they engaged suspected robbers in a gun battle.
“Troops neutralised two armed robbers and recovered one AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition and the sum of N39,950,” the statement added.
The force further stated that troops acting on a kidnap report along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State on May 25 intercepted suspected abductors.
According to the statement, the suspects abandoned their captives and fled after sighting the troops.
“One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families,” it said.
The task force also reported progress in its campaign against suspected drug trafficking networks within the operational area.
The statement explained that troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs alongside N781,000 in cash.
It added that a follow-up intelligence-led operation conducted on May 27 led to the arrest of three additional suspected drug peddlers.
“Additional substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 were recovered during the operation. Arrested persons are being processed to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” the statement said.
In another operation on May 31, troops acting on intelligence raided a suspected bandits’ enclave at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Two bandits were neutralised, while ammunition and related items were recovered from the hideout,” the statement added.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for the successes recorded and urged them to sustain the operational momentum.
Gara also appealed to communities to provide timely information on suspected criminal activities to security agencies and warned informants aiding criminals to desist from the act or face the consequences.
Follow Us on Google Discover
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
2027: ‘Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people’ – Wike warns Rivers voters against Atiku, Amaechi, Obi
BREAKING: Cross River PDP Chairman Venatius Ikem resigns, cites leadership crisis
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
2027: Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Adebayo, Duke hold talks with six opposition parties
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
Zamfara govt set to empower 36,176 residents with Dangote shares
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Lagos govt announces 3-day traffic diversion on Independence bridge for emergency repairs
Panic in Rivers community as pipeline explosion injures 20, razes over 50 houses
Tension escalates as thugs attack NDC secretariat in Edo, destroy properties
‘Local champion’ – Donald Duke takes fresh swipe at Gov Diri over Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
