Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have intensified a sweeping pre–wet season offensive across Benue State, dismantling criminal networks, neutralising a suspected armed bandit, and arresting several individuals in a series of coordinated, intelligence-led operations aimed at securing farming communities ahead of the planting season. The military said the operations form part of a broader strategy to curb rising insecurity, particularly cattle rustling and banditry, which have historically escalated during the farming period and posed serious threats to livelihoods and food production in the state.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed on Tuesday that the renewed offensive was driven by actionable intelligence from local communities, enabling troops to carry out targeted patrols and raids across multiple flashpoints. He noted that the operations have already recorded significant gains, with several criminal elements disrupted and key suspects taken into custody.
On March 23, troops deployed at Ayilamo acted on credible intelligence provided by residents of Anyiin, intercepting suspected cattle rustlers along the Anyiin–Ugba road. In a joint operation with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Agro Rangers, four suspects were apprehended in possession of butchered cattle, indicating active involvement in rustling activities. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, while arrangements were made for veterinary care for injured livestock recovered during the operation.
In a separate operation, troops attached to the Forward Operating Base in Otukpo, supported by a Quick Response Group, stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Amla Icho. Although some suspects fled upon sighting the troops, five individuals were arrested at the scene. Items recovered included locally fabricated firearms, mobile phones, hard drugs, and spent cartridges, further underscoring the criminal nature of the network operating in the area.
The military sustained its momentum with further clearance operations in Mbapa and Mbabuande villages, leading to additional arrests. During one of the encounters, an armed suspect reportedly attempted to disarm a soldier, prompting a brief exchange of fire in which the suspect was neutralised. Other members of the gang managed to escape and are currently being tracked by security forces.
Amid the operations, troops also carried out humanitarian interventions, rescuing an injured herder identified as Idris Abubakar, who had been attacked while tending his cattle. He was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, highlighting the dual role of the military in both combat and civilian protection.
In another incident, three suspected cattle rustlers were arrested at Zongo Akiki and handed over to police authorities, further tightening the dragnet around criminal elements operating within the region. The operations extended into the following day, March 24, when troops on night patrol at Uhembe village foiled yet another rustling attempt. Suspects fled upon encountering security forces, abandoning stolen cattle and a vehicle, both of which were recovered by the troops.
Lieutenant Zubairu attributed the operational successes to strong collaboration between the military and local communities, noting that timely intelligence has been instrumental in enabling swift and decisive action against criminal groups. He emphasised that the pre-farming offensive remains critical in Benue State, where recurring clashes between farmers and herders, often exacerbated by criminal activities, have historically disrupted agricultural cycles, displaced communities, and threatened food security.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state. He stressed that ensuring a secure environment for farmers is essential not only for local livelihoods but also for broader national food security, given Benue’s role as a major agricultural hub.
Security analysts note that the intensified operations signal a proactive shift by the military to prevent seasonal violence rather than merely respond to it. By targeting criminal networks ahead of the farming season, authorities aim to reduce the likelihood of large-scale conflicts, protect vulnerable communities, and create conditions conducive for agricultural productivity.
The latest offensive underscores the evolving nature of security challenges in Benue, where criminality, economic pressures, and communal tensions intersect. While the arrests and recoveries represent tactical gains, experts warn that sustained peace will require continued collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and government institutions, alongside long-term measures to address the root causes of violence and insecurity in the region.
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