Troops operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a snap ambush in Benue State and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition, the military said in a statement.
Security forces in Nigeria continue efforts to combat banditry and criminal violence, particularly in parts of the North Central region. The Joint Task Force, known as Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has been deployed in states including Benue to disrupt criminal networks, secure highways and protect motorists and communities.
The Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road has been a security concern in recent years, with past incidents of bandit attacks prompting intensified military and police patrols to improve safety along the route.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, the operation took place on Monday along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road in Benue State.
Troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion IX were on routine fighting patrol when they received credible intelligence about the movement of armed men in the area.
“Tactics laid out by the troops led to a snap ambush along the identified route,” the statement said, adding that three suspected bandits were sighted during the encounter. Two of the suspects were neutralised, while a third escaped with a gunshot wound, the military said.
At the scene, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, the statement added. The recovered weapon was taken into custody as operations continued in the area.
Commenting on the outcome, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, said the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military actions and the professionalism of the troops.
“The success reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of the troops,” he said in the statement.
Following the ambush, troops have intensified aggressive fighting patrols within the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action, the Joint Task Force said. It also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The operation underscores the Nigerian military’s continued focus on combating banditry and improving security along key transportation corridors.
Neutralising suspected criminals and recovering weapons may disrupt planned criminal activity and reduce risks to travellers and communities. Enhanced patrols and intelligence cooperation also signal ongoing efforts to reduce insurgent and bandit movements in the region.
Persistent security operations may bolster confidence among motorists and residents who have in the past avoided certain highways due to attacks, potentially supporting increased economic activity and safer travel.
Troops under Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised two suspected armed bandits and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition during an ambush operation along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road in Benue State. The military said the outcome reflected effective intelligence and troop professionalism and reiterated its commitment to sustaining security operations in the area.
