Troops recover an AK-47 rifle after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle near Jotar Village as security operations intensify across Benue State

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a security operation in Benue State, as part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the region.

Also read: Edo Police Arrest 55 Suspected Kidnappers in Crackdown

The operation was carried out on July 2, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers around Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu.

Zubairu said troops were immediately deployed from Kyado after receiving the intelligence and confronted the suspected criminals on arrival at the location.

According to the statement, the operation resulted in a gun battle between the troops and the suspected kidnappers.

“During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene,” the statement said.

The military added that preliminary findings indicated the deceased suspect may have belonged to the group responsible for attacking commuters on July 1, during which a former Secretary to the Benue State Government sustained a gunshot wound.

The identity of the deceased suspect was not disclosed, while security agencies said investigations were continuing to establish links with other criminal activities in the area.

Commending the troops, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, praised their professionalism and determination in confronting criminal elements.

He urged personnel to sustain the momentum of intelligence-led operations across the Joint Operations Area to deny kidnappers and other armed groups freedom of movement.

Gara also commended other security agencies for their continued collaboration and intelligence sharing, describing inter-agency cooperation as essential to improving security and restoring lasting peace across the region.

The commander further appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

“Operation WHIRL STROKE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly,” he said.

Operation WHIRL STROKE is a multi-agency security task force established to tackle armed banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other security threats across parts of Benue, Nasarawa and neighbouring states.

Also read: Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper After Akure Chase

In recent months, the force has intensified offensive operations as authorities seek to curb recurring attacks on communities, travellers and farmers in Nigeria’s North Central region.