- Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted separate operations across Benue State on August 19, 2026
- A suspected bandit known as ‘Cool Nigg@’ was killed during a firefight along the Jortar–Atume axis in Ukum LGA
- Two suspects arrested in Logo LGA reportedly confessed to a planned kidnapping, and troops recovered a pistol, phones, and charms
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Benue State – Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) killed one suspected bandit and detained two others in separate security operations carried out across Benue State on August 19, 2026.
Lt Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, said both missions were triggered by credible intelligence on criminal groups active along the Jortar–Atume axis and within Logo Local Government Area.
As reported by Daily Trust, Zubairu confirmed the operations in a statement issued on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Bandit killed along Jortar–Atume axis
In the first operation, troops moved against a suspected bandit kingpin and his gang who had reportedly set up an illegal kidnapping checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis of Ukum LGA.
According to The Punch, when soldiers closed in, the group opened fire, and troops responded. One suspect, known by the nickname “Cool Nigg@”, was killed in the exchange.
The rest of his associates fled, leaving behind a motorcycle that troops recovered from the scene.
“On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigg@’, was neutralised.
“The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.”
Two suspects held in Logo LGA
In a separate operation carried out on the same day, soldiers acting on fresh intelligence went to Gou Village in Logo LGA and arrested two men suspected of planning a kidnapping.
The suspects, Terhile Iyo, aged 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, aged 32, reportedly admitted to targeting Mrs Balame Nyikwagh, a resident of the same village.
Items seized from the duo included one locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards and charms. Both men remain in military custody as investigations continue.
Zubairu called on residents across the state to keep sharing timely and reliable information with security agencies.
He said such intelligence remains essential to the success of ongoing operations.
He reaffirmed that OPWS is committed to protecting lives and property and to dismantling criminal networks throughout Benue State.
Troops kill bandit leader’s son, other terrorists
Recall that Operation Fansan Yanma troops killed several bandits, including Ado Alero’s son, during a major operation in Zamfara State
Military spokesperson confirmed significant casualties among bandits during the operation on Saturday, April 4, 2026
The Nigerian Armed Forces Facebook page, however, claimed at least 65 terrorists were neutralised in the major operation.
Troops foil terrorist attack in Sokoto
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist attack on a village in Sokoto state on August 21, 2026.
During the operation, soldiers neutralised one terrorist and recovered phones, cash, an ATM card, and recharge cards.
In a separate incident, a 43-year-old kidnap victim was rescued in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
Source: Legit.ng