Troops intensify pre-farming offensive, dismantle criminal networks in Benue

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have intensified a pre–wet season farming offensive in Benue State, dismantling criminal networks, neutralising a suspected bandit, and arresting several others in a series of coordinated operations.

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The Acting Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this on Tuesday, noting that the intelligence-led patrols were aimed at eliminating threats ahead of the farming season and ensuring safety for agrarian communities.

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According to him, the operations recorded significant successes against cattle rustlers and armed bandits.

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On March 23, troops deployed at Ayilamo acted on credible intelligence from residents of Anyiin, intercepting suspected cattle rustlers along the Anyiin–Ugba road. In a joint raid with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Agro Rangers, four suspects were arrested with remains of butchered cows in their possession.

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The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, while veterinary care was arranged for injured livestock.

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In a separate operation, troops of the Forward Operating Base in Otukpo, supported by a Quick Response Group, stormed a criminal hideout at Amla Icho. Although some suspects fled, five were apprehended, and items recovered included locally fabricated firearms, mobile phones, hard drugs, and spent cartridges.

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Further clearance operations in Mbapa and Mbabuande villages led to additional arrests. During one encounter, an armed suspect attempted to disarm a soldier but was neutralised in a brief exchange, while other members of the gang escaped.

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Troops also rescued an injured herder, identified as Idris Abubakar, who was attacked while tending his cattle. He was evacuated for medical treatment.

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In another incident, three suspected cattle rustlers were arrested at Zongo Akiki and transferred to police custody.

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The operations continued on March 24, when troops on night patrol at Uhembe village foiled another rustling attempt. Suspects fled the scene, abandoning stolen cattle and a vehicle, both of which were recovered.

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Zubairu attributed the successes to strong collaboration with local communities, whose intelligence has enabled swift and targeted responses.

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He noted that the pre-farming offensive is critical in Benue, where farmer-herder clashes often escalate during planting seasons, threatening food security and displacing residents.

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The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to guarantee a peaceful environment for farming and long-term stability in the state.

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