Soldiers Foil Cattle Rustling, Neutralize Terrorists in Benue

Soldiers from the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, led by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, conducted operations in Benue State from March 3 to March 7, 2026. During a routine patrol around Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying three stolen cows, arresting suspects Mamuda Hussein (28), Sunday Mose (35), and Teni Musa (22).

Preliminary investigations revealed the cattle were transported using a vehicle with a fake Kogi State government registration number. On March 4, troops ambushed terrorists in Abuja Village, resulting in an engagement where they neutralized armed criminals and recovered ammunition.

On March 5, troops repelled an assault from terrorists and later intercepted suspects attempting to escape via a waterway with stolen cows in Guma Local Government Area. Maj. Gen. Mose Gara reassured residents of Benue and neighboring states of the task force's commitment to protecting lives and property, urging the public to provide credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.