Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, Joint Task Force on Monday, engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle, killing two of them during a security operation along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State.
Local sources said the suspected criminals had moved onto the highway on Monday, prompting residents to alert security operatives. Troops responded to the distress call and engaged the suspects in a gun battle, which resulted in the deaths of two of them.
The Naka–Makurdi corridor had previously been abandoned by motorists due to repeated cases of kidnapping and killings linked to armed bandits.
However, security along the route has improved following the deployment of additional personnel to the state, particularly after the Yelwata massacre in June 2025, encouraging motorists to resume using the road.
The suspected bandits were said to have attempted another attack on Monday before residents of Ahume community in Gwer West Local Government Area raised an alarm, leading to the swift intervention by troops.
Confirming the development, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Monday.
Zubairu said, “Two suspected armed bandits were neutralised during a snap ambush operation conducted on 26 January 2026 along the Naka–Ahume -Makurdi road in Benue State.”
He explained that troops deployed at Naka were on routine fighting patrol when they received credible intelligence about the movement of armed bandits in the area.
According to the statement, “Consequently, troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and made contact with the criminals.
“During the encounter, three suspected armed bandits were sighted. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with a gunshot wound.”
The OPWS spokesperson added that an AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene.
He further stated that troops have sustained aggressive patrols across the area to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or operating freely.
Zubairu also said the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops, noting that the outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the professionalism of personnel.
He added that the commander reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s resolve to maintain operational tempo and continue coordinated efforts to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area.
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