Troops Eliminate Bandit, Arrest Kidnappers in Benue

On August 19, 2026, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) conducted security operations in Benue State, resulting in the death of one suspected bandit and the arrest of two kidnappers. Lt Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, reported that the operations were initiated based on credible intelligence regarding criminal groups along the Jortar–Atume axis and within Logo Local Government Area.

In the first operation, troops targeted a suspected bandit kingpin who had established an illegal kidnapping checkpoint. During the confrontation, a suspect known as "Cool Nigg@" was killed, while his associates escaped, leaving behind a motorcycle.

In a separate operation, soldiers arrested Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32, in Gou Village, who confessed to planning a kidnapping. Items seized included a locally made pistol, a cartridge, multiple phones, an ATM card, and charms.

Both suspects are currently in military custody as investigations continue.