Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have continued to demonstrate their resolve in tackling criminality in Benue State, as they successfully neutralized one armed criminal and recovered weapons during a clearance operation at Mararaba Gbagir.
The operation which was conducted on Tuesday, 30 July 2025 based on credible intelligence about the presence of suspected armed elements in the area, led to a confrontation with the criminals.
Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
“During the encounter, the troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralization of one criminal while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
“During the fire fight between troops and the criminals, one criminal was killed in action, resulting in the recovery of Six (6) AK47 Magazines, three (3) 9MM rounds, two (2) 7.62 MM special rounds, One (1) locally fabricated gun and one (1) locally fabricated pistol while charms and shrines were also destroyed.
“The Force Commander Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, precision, and bravery in executing the operation.
“He encouraged them to maintain the momentum in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security to Benue State and other parts of the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Gara also reiterated the commitment of OPWS to sustaining peace and protecting lives and property. He urged members of the public to continue supporting the troops with actionable intelligence to aid further operations.”
