Aleke Aleke in Abuja
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The High Command of the Nigerian Army has revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke encountered and eliminated an armed criminal element, while other members of the armed gang fled with gunshot wounds during an ambush operation in Benue State.
The troops also recovered weapons during a separate operation in Nasarawa State.
Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, stated in a release: “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted a deliberate ambush operation on 15 October 2025. The operation took place east of Ayilamo, within the Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area, Benue State. The troops made contact with the criminal elements, where one of the armed criminals was successfully neutralised, while other suspects fled the scene, reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.
“Following the initial contact, troops exploited the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and fourteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
He stressed that troops maintained dominance of the general area after the operation, conducting patrols to reassure and bolster the confidence of local communities.
“In another development, troops of Sub-Sector 2, deployed at Maraba Udege Community, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, received a distress call from Maraba Market on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. The report indicated that a man in the market was in possession of a pistol. Upon arrival at the scene, the troops apprehended the suspect, identified as Ramanu Elizabeth, and recovered a locally fabricated pistol from him. The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and tactical proficiency.
He further urged the troops to maintain the operational momentum to ensure a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens to conduct legitimate activities without fear.
“Investigation and follow-up operations are ongoing. Troops will continue to work with local security stakeholders and community leaders to gather actionable intelligence, disrupt criminal networks, and restore normalcy in the affected Joint Operations Area,” the Commander said.
He reiterated the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to protecting innocent lives and sustaining pressure on those who perpetrate violence in the region.
