Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have ramped up their operational tempo, leveraging intelligence-driven operations to secure significant victories against criminal elements in Benue and Nasarawa States.

On 3 February 2026, troops from Sector 1 of OPWS, acting on reliable intelligence about armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, swiftly mobilized alongside Nigerian Police Force officers and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. Upon reaching Ayamba Village, the security forces engaged with the armed bandits, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect. The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of special 7.62mm ammunition, and two magazines.

The following day, on 4 February 2026, troops from Sector 2 OPWS at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State responded to intelligence provided by a local hunter regarding armed robbers near the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the arrest of 34-year-old Adam Paul, who was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, Paul revealed that the weapon had been obtained from Tela Obu of Duduguru Community, Obi LGA. Two accomplices, John Amos and Elisha, managed to escape, and efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend them.

In a related development on the same day, troops from the COAS Intervention Battalion IX, based in Agbaragba, Benue State, responded to a distress call regarding youths from Agagbe community involved in cattle rustling. Upon arrival, the troops discovered multiple dead cattle, and three suspects were apprehended and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation.

On 5 February 2026, OPWS troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agbagbe acted on intelligence about youths butchering rustled cattle meat in a residential area in Agagbe Community. Two suspects were arrested at the scene with the mutilated meat. Initial investigations indicated their involvement in cattle rustling, a persistent criminal activity threatening the peace and livelihoods of rural communities. The suspects have been taken into custody for further legal action.

Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, praised the troops for their resilience and continued success in denying criminals freedom of movement. He emphasized that the recent victories align with military high command directives for intensified intelligence-driven operations and aggressive fighting patrols. He further acknowledged the support from local communities and other security agencies, which has been instrumental in the operation’s success.