Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Nab Two Armed Suspects in Benue State

Troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) on Wednesday apprehended two individuals suspected of being armed, during a well-coordinated security patrol designed to counter rising criminal activities within Benue State.

The arrest took place along major access corridors leading into Makurdi, the state capital, as part of ongoing security measures.

The two suspects were later identified as Mr. Felix Agbako, aged 42, a farmer who hails from Abiam Village in Gwer East Local Government Area, and Mr. Tsekaa Kyaan, also aged 42, a driver residing in Tse-Adam Village within Makurdi Local Government Area.

This coordinated patrol mission formed part of persistent efforts by security forces to dismantle unauthorized roadblocks and to disrupt the mobility of armed criminals operating within the troops’ designated Area of Responsibility (AOR).

While conducting a thorough stop-and-search procedure, the security personnel discovered an AK-47 assault rifle accompanied by a magazine loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition.

Both the firearm and ammunition were cleverly concealed within a blue Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos FST 733 GL.

The mission was executed under the operational oversight of Captain Miri-Dashe from the 401 Special Forces Brigade, who received strategic support from Captain Iyamba during the operation.

The exercise was carried out through the collaboration of multiple security agencies, including officers from the Department of State Services (DSS), Keystone operatives, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Presently, both arrested suspects, alongside the seized weaponry, are being held in custody pending the outcome of further investigation and legal processes as stipulated by relevant security authorities.

In response to this successful mission, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, praised the promptness and professionalism displayed by the security team throughout the operation.

Major General Gara also reiterated the consistent commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke towards eliminating criminal elements and enhancing the safety and security of communities across Benue State and adjoining areas.

Additionally, Major General Gara extended his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for their unwavering support and continued provision of critical resources, which have empowered OPWS to fulfill its security mandate effectively.