Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during an operation along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, while on a fighting patrol, encountered two suspected bandits riding a motorcycle along the Gbise–Igyudu axis.
According to the Joint Task Force, the troops engaged the suspects after positively identifying them, resulting in an exchange of fire.
One of the suspected bandits was neutralised during the encounter, while the second fled the scene after being subdued by the troops’ superior firepower.
The troops subsequently conducted a search and clearance operation around the area to ensure that the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Items recovered during the operation included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round.
Troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms from the scene.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
The force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals.
“Such information remains critical to swift and decisive response to emerging threats,” the statement said.
The Joint Task Force assured residents that Operation WHIRL STROKE would continue to sustain patrols and intelligence-driven operations across its area of responsibility.
“Operation WHIRL STROKE will continue to dominate its operational areas through sustained patrols and other intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying them the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens,” it added.
