Soldiers Neutralize Kidnapper, Arrest Two in Benue

On August 19, 2026, troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), conducted operations in Benue State, resulting in the death of a suspected kidnapper and the arrest of two others. The Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, reported that troops intercepted a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates at an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis.

During the encounter, a suspected bandit known by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga’ was neutralized, while other members of the group fled, leaving behind a motorcycle. In a separate operation at Gou in Logo Local Government Area, two suspects, Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32, were arrested for attempting to kidnap Mrs. Balame Nyikwagh.

Recovered items included a locally made pistol, a cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, an ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards, and charms. The suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation.