Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Joint Task Force have neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a security operation along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, after residents of Ahume community in Gwer West Local Government Area raised a distress call over suspected bandit activity on the highway.
In a statement, OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said troops deployed at Naka were on routine patrol when they acted on credible intelligence and laid a tactical ambush along the route.
He said three suspected bandits were sighted during the encounter. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with a gunshot wound.
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An AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene.
The Naka–Makurdi road, previously notorious for kidnappings and killings, had seen improved security following increased troop deployment after the Yelwata massacre in June last year, which encouraged motorists to return to the route.
Zubairu said troops have intensified aggressive patrols in the area, while OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven operations across the joint operations area.
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