Troops Neutralise Threats Ahead of Farming Season in Benue State

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have intensified intelligence-driven operations across Benue State in a strategic pre-wet season offensive aimed at neutralising security threats and safeguarding farming activities.
The coordinated efforts, carried out in partnership with other security agencies, have recorded significant successes against cattle rustlers and armed criminal groups, helping to stabilise communities ahead of the planting season.
On 23 March 2026, troops deployed at Ayilamo responded to credible intelligence from residents of Anyiin regarding suspected cattle rustling along the Anyiin–Ugba road. In a joint operation with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Agro Rangers, four suspects were apprehended with remains of slaughtered cattle in their possession. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation, while veterinary assistance was arranged for injured livestock.
In a related development, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Otukpo, supported by the Quick Response Group, raided a known criminal hideout at Amla Icho. Although some suspects fled into nearby bushes, five individuals were arrested. Items recovered from the scene included locally fabricated firearms, mobile phones, hard drugs, and spent cartridges—indicating the group’s involvement in wider criminal activities.
Further clearance operations conducted in Mbapa and Mbabuande villages led to the arrest of four additional suspects. During one encounter, an armed suspect attempted to disarm a soldier but was neutralised after a brief exchange of gunfire, while other members of the gang escaped.
Troops also responded to a distress incident involving an injured herder, identified as Idris Abubakar, who had been attacked while grazing his cattle. He was promptly evacuated and received medical attention. In a separate operation at Zongo Akiki, three suspected cattle rustlers were apprehended and handed over to the police.
Operations continued into 24 March 2026, when a night patrol in Uhembe village thwarted another cattle rustling attempt. The fleeing suspects abandoned both stolen livestock and a vehicle, all of which were recovered by troops.
Military authorities attributed these operational gains to strengthened collaboration with local communities, whose timely intelligence has been instrumental in guiding interventions.
The pre-wet season farming offensive is considered critical in Benue State, where recurring farmer-herder conflicts often escalate during planting periods, posing risks to food security and livelihoods.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Joint Task Force, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, stated that troops will sustain intelligence-led operations to ensure peace, protect agricultural activities, and promote long-term stability across the state.