The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, embarked on a maiden joint land and maritime operational visit to Gidan Pepa in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State and Loko in Nasarawa State. The strategic mission was aimed at assessing the security architecture and operational effectiveness of deployed troops within the Joint Operations Area.

The operation, which included a riverine patrol along critical water corridors, underscored the Commander’s focus on multi-domain operations and the integration of land and maritime components to stabilize volatile flashpoints.

At both operational locations, the Force Commander commended troops for their dedication to maintaining peace within their Areas of Responsibility. He urged personnel to remain combat-ready, mission-focused, and committed to fostering civil-military cooperation with local communities.

He assured troops of the swift completion of ongoing accommodation projects to improve welfare, alongside the delivery of key operational assets such as all-terrain motorcycles, communications equipment, and other mission-essential tools to enhance mobility and command capabilities in difficult terrain.

Reinforcing basic soldiering principles, the Commander stressed the importance of weapon maintenance and situational awareness, stating: “Keep your weapons clean and your ears to the ground. Intelligence is your first layer of defence.”

The visit also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the support of Hon. Shuaibu Umar, Sole Administrator of Loko, and Mr. Mike Ejiwo, a respected elder of Gidan Pepa, who noted that the community has enjoyed over five years of peace without farmer-herder clashes due to effective military presence.

The Commander further emphasized the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to troops’ welfare, noting that ration cash allowances had been increased in line with current economic realities. “We cannot call ourselves your commanders if we cannot take care of you. I came here to say, ‘Well done,’” he added.

He was accompanied by Brigadier General H.I. Audu, Commander of Sector 2 OPWS; the Maritime Component Commander; the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Component Commander; and other senior officers. The operational tour also extended to Yelwata, a strategic settlement, to further assess the security situation and sustain troops’ presence in the area.