Troops Arrest Terror Suspects in Benue Operation Whirl Stroke

Analysis, Crime, Investigations, National Security, Nigeria

Benue Troops Nab Three Suspected Terrorists, Recover AK-47

Troops in Benue arrest three suspected terrorists and recover an AK-47, magazines and ammunition in a pre-wet season sweep.

Atlantic Post

March 27, 2026

1–2 minutes

Agasha, Atlantic Post, Benue State, Counterterrorism, Farming Season, featured, Nigerian Army, North-Central Nigeria, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Terrorism

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition in a pre-wet season sweep in the Agasha area of Benue State, in a fresh sign that the battle for the farmlands is far from over.

Military authorities said they conducted the raid on 26 March 2026. They acted after credible intelligence pointed to the presence of armed suspects in the area. Troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI moved swiftly into the flashpoint. They cordoned it off and picked up the three men without incident.

The suspects were identified as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, and Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos.

Items recovered from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 27 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol and assorted charms.

The military said the suspects are now in custody for preliminary investigation and will be handed over for prosecution.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Joint Task Force headquarters, explained that the operation was part of broader efforts. These efforts aim to secure farming communities ahead of the rainy season.

He said troops were acting on intelligence to clear identified flashpoints and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the area.

Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism. He acknowledged their resilience and sacrifice in protecting law-abiding citizens.

Operation Whirl Stroke has continued sustained operations across Benue and neighbouring parts of the North-Central zone. In these areas, armed violence, banditry, and rural insecurity have repeatedly threatened farmers, movement, and food production.

The latest arrest underlines a hard truth. As the planting season approaches, armed groups are trying to hold ground in vulnerable communities. The military faces pressure to push them back before the rains open up fresh routes for violence.