Troops neutralise bandit, nab two suspected kidnappers in Benue operations
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have killed a suspected bandit kingpin and arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate operations across Benue State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, OPWS Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, revealed that troops acting on intelligence intercepted a group of bandits operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis on August 19, 2026.
Etim Ekpimah
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have killed a suspected bandit kingpin and arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate operations across Benue State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, OPWS Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, revealed that troops acting on intelligence intercepted a group of bandits operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis on August 19, 2026.
The ensuing firefight resulted in the death of a suspected bandit kingpin known as “Cool Nigga,” while his accomplices fled, leaving behind a motorcycle.
In a secondary operation at Gou Village in Logo Local Government Area, troops arrested two suspects, Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32. Both suspects admitted to a plot to kidnap local resident Mrs Balame Nyikwagh.
Military personnel recovered a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, five Tecno phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, identity cards, SIM cards, and various charms. Both suspects remain in military custody as investigations continue. OPWS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, urging the public to maintain support by sharing timely intelligence with security forces.
