Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Joint Task Force have neutralised two suspected bandits along the Naka/Makurdi road.

Local sources told PUNCH Online on Monday that the suspected bandits were reported to have stormed the highway before locals sent distress calls to the troops who responded swiftly and engaged the suspected bandits in a gun duel, leading to death of two.

The Naka-Makurdi road was, in the past, notorious for kidnapping and killing by suspected armed bandits, which made motorists abandon the road.

With the deployment of more security operatives to the state, especially after the Yelwata massacre in June last year, the security on the road has been beefed up, necessitating motorists to return to the road.

But the suspected bandits were reported to have stormed the road on Monday, January 26, in an attempt to wreak havoc before the residents of Ahume in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state sent a distress call to the troops.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday.

Zubairu said, “Two suspected armed bandits were neutralised during a snap ambush operation conducted on 26 January 2026 along the Naka–Ahume -Makurdi road in Benue State.

He stated that the troops, deployed at Naka, were on routine fighting patrol when they acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed bandits operating within the area.

The statement read in parts, “Consequently, troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and made contact with the criminals.

“During the encounter, three suspected armed bandits were sighted. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with a gunshot wound.”

The OPWS spokesperson said that one AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene.

He added that following the encounter, troops have continued aggressive fighting patrols within the general area to further deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He said that the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, who commended the troops, stated that the success reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of the troops.

The commander reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustain operational momentum and continue coordinated operations aimed at ensuring improved security across the Joint Operations Area. (The PUNCH)