Operation Whirl Stroke Arrests Cattle Rustling Suspects

On February 15, 2023, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, in Benue State, linked to cattle rustling incidents that have been fueling violence in the region. This arrest followed two separate security incidents in the Guma Local Government Area, where an attack on herders in Amua Village resulted in one herder being killed and another sustaining gunshot wounds.

The injured herder was evacuated to Keana in Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. Aondohemba reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders and implicated two accomplices, Akpeh and Ashing.

Further investigations led to the apprehension of Mr. Merci Onban, the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, along with the recovery of the meat as evidence.

Major General Mose Gara, the force commander of the Joint Task Force, condemned the attacks and emphasized the need for community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to restore peace in the area.