Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended seven suspects during intensified patrols along the Benue–Taraba border, as part of ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in the area.
Among those arrested, one suspect was identified as an informant linked to a notorious kidnapper operating between the two states.
According to Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, the arrests took place on October 31, 2025, during a fighting and confidence-building patrol by soldiers stationed at Camp Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed Wukari Junction, where they detained four individuals identified as Ter’Ese Ioryenmen (34), Oanduna Oruman (37), Shaagba Dominic (27), and Solomon Kortya (30).
Zubairu revealed that preliminary findings indicated one of the suspects served as an informant for a kidnapper known only as Mathew.
Items recovered from the suspects included a motorcycle, one master key, four mobile phones, some unidentified drugs, and N19,500 in cash.
In a related operation on the same day, troops deployed at Tor Donga in Katsina-Ala LGA, working jointly with the Benue State Community Protection Guards (BSCPG), arrested three robbery suspects who were allegedly terrorizing travelers along Mbache Road in Mbache Council Ward.
The suspects, identified as Aondohenba Godwin (35), Dooron Washina (19), and Terkuma Zahemen (15), were found with a paper-constructed toy pistol, nine mobile phones, a solar panel, and four MP3 speakers.
Zubairu confirmed that all suspects remain in custody for further investigation.
Force Commander, OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and quick response, urging them to sustain their operational momentum against kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal networks within their areas of responsibility.
