Troops capture two suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers, 2 armed robbery suspects in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have arrested two suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers and two suspected armed robbers in separate operations in Benue State.

The operations, conducted on October 28, 2026, formed part of ongoing efforts by troops to disrupt criminal networks, deny terrorists logistical support and strengthen security across the Joint Operations Area.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. 

According to the statement, troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE, acting on intelligence concerning the presence of suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers in Abaji Community, moved to the area and apprehended two suspects identified as Tertser Terngu and Aondongu Tersoo. 

Preliminary information indicated that the suspects allegedly provided logistical support to a bandit kingpin operating across River Yooyo in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

"Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and two suspected armed robbers in separate operations in Benue State,” the statement read.

"On 28 October 2026, troops of Sector 1, Operation WHIRL STROKE, acted on intelligence concerning the presence of two suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers in Abaji Community. 

"The suspects allegedly provide logistical support to a bandit kingpin operating across River Yooyo in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. 

"The arrested suspects identified as Mr Tertser Terngu, aged 24, and Mr Aondongu Tersoo, aged 15, both from Tersoo Village are currently in custody for investigation and further processing to the appropriate agencies.

"In a related development, at approximately 2:16pm on the same day, troops on fighting patrol received information about an armed robbery incident at Jootar Village along the Kyado–Wukari Road in Ukum LGA.

"Troops promptly mobilised to the scene, where operatives of the Volunteer Guards had already apprehended two suspected armed robbers before the troops arrived. Items recovered included one locally made pistol, seven rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition and a pair of scissors.

“The Force Commander, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and urged them to sustain the operational tempo, remain vigilant and continue to leverage timely intelligence to combat criminal activities across the Joint Operations Area.”