Four suspected criminals killed in Benue and Taraba

The Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE has reported that its troops killed four suspected criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims, seized an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and broke up a suspected drug trafficking ring during operations in Benue and Taraba states from May 24 to May 31, 2026.

Lt Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of the force, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement mentioned that the operations aimed at catching armed robbers, kidnappers, bandits, and suspected drug traffickers in the area.

Troops were sent to the Gbajimba, Agasha Road in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on May 24 after hearing about an armed herder attack. They found two injured residents at the location.

“The victims were taken to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for treatment, while a manhunt for the attackers is ongoing,” the statement said.

On the same day, troops responded to a robbery alert on the Rafin Kada, Donga Road in Taraba State. They engaged suspected robbers in a shootout.

“Troops killed two armed robbers and recovered one AK-47 rifle with three magazines, ammunition, and N39,950,” the statement added.

The force also said that troops acted on a report of a kidnapping along the Antegh, Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State on May 25. They intercepted the suspected kidnappers.

According to the statement, the suspects ran away, leaving their captives behind when they saw the troops.

“One suspect was arrested, while the rescued victims were taken back to their families,” it said.

The task force also reported progress in tackling suspected drug trafficking in the operational area.

The statement explained that troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and found 641 pieces of suspected illegal drugs and N781,000 in cash.

It added that a follow-up operation on May 27 led to the arrest of three more suspected drug dealers.

“More drugs, a motorcycle, and N40,000 were found during the operation. The arrested individuals are being processed to hand over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” the statement said.

In another operation on May 31, troops acted on intelligence and raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

“Two bandits were killed, and ammunition and related items were found at the hideout,” the statement added.

The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their achievements and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

Gara also urged communities to provide timely information about suspected criminal activities to security agencies and warned informants helping criminals to stop or face serious consequences.