Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE says its troops have recorded two successes against criminal gangs in Benue State, killing one suspected bandit and arresting two others over an alleged kidnap plan.

The operations took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, according to a statement from OPWS.

The military said it received intelligence on a group operating an illegal roadblock along the Jortar–Atume route. Troops were deployed to the area and engaged the suspects.

During the gun battle, one of the gunmen, identified only as “Cool Nigga,” was shot dead. The rest of the gang fled, leaving behind a motorcycle which soldiers recovered.

In a separate raid in Gou Village, Logo Local Government Area, OPWS personnel picked up two men linked to a planned abduction.

The suspects were named as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32. The military said they admitted to plotting to kidnap Mrs. Balame Nyikwagh of Gou Village.

From them, troops recovered a locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, several SIM cards and charms.

Both men are being held for further questioning.

Operation WHIRL STROKE assured residents of Benue and neighboring states that troops remain on ground to check banditry and kidnapping.

It also called on the public to volunteer credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

Source: Nigeria Army.