By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded another major breakthrough, arresting three suspected terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle with ammunition during a precision raid in Agasha, Benue State.
The operation, carried out on March 26, 2026, forms part of ongoing pre-wet season offensives by the COAS Intervention Battalion XI aimed at clearing criminal hideouts and securing farming communities ahead of the agricultural season.
Confirming the development, Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the troops acted on credible intelligence, advanced tactically to the location, and swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Those apprehended were identified as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko from Nasarawa State, alongside Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos. Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, after which they will be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Troops have continued to maintain an aggressive operational posture across the Joint Operations Area, dominating the environment to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security ahead of the farming season.
The Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and sacrifice, urging them to sustain the tempo in protecting law-abiding citizens.
