Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have arrested two suspected cattle thieves in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State during a coordinated operation aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing security in the region.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, the suspects were apprehended while troops were en route to support the Nigeria Police following a confrontation with armed herders on the outskirts of Udei Village.

The suspects, identified as Mr. Raymond Abina, 32, and Mr. Sunday Faga, 21 — both residents of Ukohol Village in Guma LGA — were intercepted riding a motorcycle while attempting to exit the forest with a sack containing freshly butchered cow meat. Upon interrogation, they claimed to have purchased the meat from a Fulani herder deep in the bush. However, preliminary investigations revealed the meat was from a cow reported stolen from Tse Pokiau Village, near the Daudu area.

The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution upon conclusion of inquiries.

Reacting to the arrest, the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the rising trend of cattle rustling, destruction of farmlands, and jungle justice. He described such acts as serious crimes that fuel instability and communal tension in Benue State.

“Cattle theft and destruction of livelihoods pose serious threats to peace in Benue. We are committed to dismantling all forms of criminal networks and restoring law and order,” Major General Gara stated.

He urged rural dwellers to activate early warning systems and cooperate fully with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence. He emphasized that peace and security are collective responsibilities requiring the active participation of all well-meaning citizens.

Major General Gara also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to promote tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among communities. He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through lawful conflict resolution and community collaboration.

Reaffirming the commitment of OPWS to continue operations targeting criminal threats within its area of responsibility, the Commander warned against jungle justice and urged citizens to trust the legal process and allow security agencies to carry out their constitutional duties.

He further appealed to the media to play a vital role in promoting peace, national unity, and public confidence in state institutions by reinforcing messages of law, order, and civic responsibility.