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Troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a 27-year-old suspected militia member in Agasha Village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following a reported assault on a local resident.
The operation was launched on Thursday, March 13, 2026, after credible intelligence was received about an attack on Mr. Shaapera Seeta Michael. In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Joint Task Force detailed the swift response.
Acting on the report, troops from the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke, immediately mobilized to the scene. Upon arrival, they cordoned off the area to block any escape route and conducted a targeted search operation.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Suurnen David Akum, aged 27, from Agashasha Village in Guma LGA, was successfully apprehended. A locally fabricated rifle was recovered from him during the arrest.
The statement noted that the suspect is currently under investigation and will soon be handed over to relevant authorities for further action.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, tactical approach, and rapid response, which led to the successful apprehension. He urged them to sustain operational momentum and remain vigilant to prevent criminal elements from operating freely in the area.
The arrest is seen as a significant step in ongoing efforts to curb militia activities and restore security in vulnerable communities across Benue State, where residents continue to face threats from armed groups.
