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Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralises Notorious Gang Blocking Ukum Junction, Foils Ambush in Benue

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security operations ahead of the festive season, successfully dismantling a criminal gang notorious for ambushing travellers in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The joint mission, carried out on 11 December 2025, involved OPWS operatives, the Nigeria Police Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly to confront criminals who had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Aturuku–Wembe–Ayati axis, an area that has recorded multiple attacks on unsuspecting commuters.

Military sources confirmed that the armed group opened fire upon contact but were overpowered in a decisive engagement. Three members of the syndicate were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes. Two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered at the scene.

Local community members later identified the deceased as individuals linked to recurring kidnapping incidents around the Zaki-Biam yam market and other parts of Ukum LGA. Early intelligence also connects the group to a bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala.

The operation is part of an increased tempo of security activities designed to guarantee a peaceful yuletide season for residents across the Joint Operations Area.

Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the synergy among all security components involved in the operation. He praised the professionalism and courage of the troops and encouraged them to sustain momentum through intelligence-led missions and increased presence in high-risk communities.

Below is the full statement issued by the Nigerian Army:

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE INCREASE TEMPO OF OPERATION TOWARDS A HITCHFREE YULETIDE SEASON AS TROOPS FOIL AMBUSH, DISMANTLE NOTORIOUS GANG BLOCKING UKUM JUNCTION

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in a coordinated effort with the Nigeria Police Force, Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard, executed a well-planned operation on 11 December 2025 after receiving reliable intelligence. The security team moved swiftly to confront a criminal group that had erected an illegal roadblock along the route connecting Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to intelligence assessments, the armed gang had been ambushing and dispossessing innocent travellers who unknowingly approached the blocked junction. On making contact with the criminals, the troops engaged them decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of three criminals, while others fled into nearby bushes. In the course of the operation, two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered, and a heightened search effort is currently under way to locate and apprehend those who fled.

Subsequent findings revealed that the three neutralised individuals belonged to a notorious syndicate responsible for widespread insecurity, including repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA. Their activities are believed to be connected to recent abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam yam market vicinity.

Community members later identified the deceased suspects as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe, both from Ugbaam Council Ward, and a third individual from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council Ward. Sources have also linked the group to a notorious bandit kingpin, who is known to operate within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, applauded the synergy amongst the security personnel and commended their courage, discipline, and professional conduct throughout the mission. He encouraged the troops to maintain the operational drive, deepen intelligence-led operations, and reinforce security presence in high-risk communities. Major General Gara reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of OPWS to defending lives, enhancing civil authority, and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU
Lieutenant
Ag Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE
11 December 2025

Major General Gara assured communities across Benue that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring stability, protecting lives, and providing uninterrupted security coverage as the festive season approaches.

Source: The Bureau News

Nice... More of these please

Nice one. The troops should look at Abuja-Lokoja, Abuja-Kabba, Lokoja-Ajaokuta, Ajaokuta-Itobe and Ajegwu-Idah roads too.

It looks like these terrorists have finally imprisoned all Nigerians and the prison yards are Abuja, Lagos and a few other cities.

People should be able to go home and celebrate with their families after a hard year's hustle.

Why should these terrorists dictate for over 250 million Nigerians?

Why blurring their faces

neutralised by vigilantees and nigerian army takes credit

This is the best way to safeguard the roads ..not Guo bullet proof buses

Innocent people have just been murdered....where are there guns?

Dear Mynd44, thank you for your dedication to service. Please consider this for the FP. Cheers!

End of the road for them. The road block they erected was their final bus stop.
They dug a hole for their victims but they for fall into it

Innocent people. Were are their guns. Yeye security persons

Good...this is how it ought to be, but for Buhari. Exterminate them!

This is what we have been talking about. Show photos so when these terrorists see it online they also fear. Not audio killings or essay writings we aren't interested in that.

Editorialtimes:
Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralises Notorious Gang Blocking Ukum Junction, Foils Ambush in Benue

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security operations ahead of the festive season, successfully dismantling a criminal gang notorious for ambushing travellers in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The joint mission, carried out on 11 December 2025, involved OPWS operatives, the Nigeria Police Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly to confront criminals who had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Aturuku–Wembe–Ayati axis, an area that has recorded multiple attacks on unsuspecting commuters.

Military sources confirmed that the armed group opened fire upon contact but were overpowered in a decisive engagement. Three members of the syndicate were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes. Two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered at the scene.

Local community members later identified the deceased as individuals linked to recurring kidnapping incidents around the Zaki-Biam yam market and other parts of Ukum LGA. Early intelligence also connects the group to a bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala.

The operation is part of an increased tempo of security activities designed to guarantee a peaceful yuletide season for residents across the Joint Operations Area.

Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the synergy among all security components involved in the operation. He praised the professionalism and courage of the troops and encouraged them to sustain momentum through intelligence-led missions and increased presence in high-risk communities.

Below is the full statement issued by the Nigerian Army:



Major General Gara assured communities across Benue that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring stability, protecting lives, and providing uninterrupted security coverage as the festive season approaches.

Source: The Bureau News

No guns, no bullets, no bombs, nothing and una kill them when una see the real terrorists una go dey give excuses to either neutralise or kill them.

Editorialtimes:
Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralises Notorious Gang Blocking Ukum Junction, Foils Ambush in Benue

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security operations ahead of the festive season, successfully dismantling a criminal gang notorious for ambushing travellers in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The joint mission, carried out on 11 December 2025, involved OPWS operatives, the Nigeria Police Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly to confront criminals who had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Aturuku–Wembe–Ayati axis, an area that has recorded multiple attacks on unsuspecting commuters.

Military sources confirmed that the armed group opened fire upon contact but were overpowered in a decisive engagement. Three members of the syndicate were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes. Two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered at the scene.

Local community members later identified the deceased as individuals linked to recurring kidnapping incidents around the Zaki-Biam yam market and other parts of Ukum LGA. Early intelligence also connects the group to a bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala.

The operation is part of an increased tempo of security activities designed to guarantee a peaceful yuletide season for residents across the Joint Operations Area.

Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the synergy among all security components involved in the operation. He praised the professionalism and courage of the troops and encouraged them to sustain momentum through intelligence-led missions and increased presence in high-risk communities.

Below is the full statement issued by the Nigerian Army:



Major General Gara assured communities across Benue that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring stability, protecting lives, and providing uninterrupted security coverage as the festive season approaches.

Source: The Bureau News

Why blurring their faces na.
The condemned remains condemned

Good one to the NA
But abeg make e no be gateman or nama sellers

Donald trump thank you, it can only be you! If you know, you know 😜

72 x 3 =216 that’s a lot. They should reserve some for other o

The fear of the US lol. Sleeping B is trying to impress. God be with our gallant soldiers

RISQUE:
No guns, no bullets, no bombs, nothing and una kill them when una see the real terrorists una go dey give excuses to either neutralise or kill them.

Please be straight forward and call them your brothers and not terrorists.

Sonofgod1990:
Innocent people. Were are their guns. Yeye security persons

You for ask your pops nah. Na you yeye pass

Kudos to the forces but too bad they let some escape into the forest as usual. Hopefully the new Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) completes successful missions after training and getting modern equipment!

Baronthecelebri:
Why blurring their faces

They blur you complain and if they don’t blur, you sue them. Typical ignorant Nigerian.

Nothing could please these people called obidense, they have started calling them innocent, no gun, you blunt their face, no be Army kill dem.

Thank God for such feat... Hop

Kaczynski:
neutralised by vigilantees and nigerian army takes credit

Thank God, u also saw it... Cos it looks like a vigilante hit

Army dey even put their logo on the pics of what vigilantes did. Chai. Nigeria army don fall

This is the only way to end Banditry (sending their souls to God for judgement).

SpaceX:
Innocent people have just been murdered....where are there guns?

Thought as much swears they wasted the weakest criminals😁No gun fire exchange at all but Army be lying

Nothing in the belongings indicates they were terrorists or even fighters. We see toothbrushes, small towels, containers for water or maybe some other beverage, and what looks like strings at least. And the blurrring of the faces? How do we know that these were not innocent civilians who were killed and presented to us as terrorists? What are their identities? This is not a good sign at all.

LithiumSupplier:
Nice one. The troops should look at Abuja-Lokoja, Abuja-Kabba, Lokoja-Ajaokuta, Ajaokuta-Itobe and Ajegwu-Idah roads too.

I looks like these terrorists have finally imprisoned all Nigerians and the prison yards are Abuja, Lagos and a few other cities.

People should be able to go home and celebrate with their families are a hard year's hustle.

Why should these terrorists dictate for over 250 million Nigerians?

That Lokoja - Ajaokuta -Itobe - Ajegwu - Idah is a regular trip for me weekly. It's being God o.

If they won’t repent send them back to the afterlife
You’ve decided you don’t want to live in peace with men

What are we going to call this kwa


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