From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in the North-Central have rescued 657 kidnapped victims and neutralised no fewer than 124 bandits, armed herders and other criminal elements within the past 12 months.
The troops also recovered 98 assorted weapons, 6,364 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and illicit substances suspected to be cannabis sativa during operations conducted across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
The Commander of 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kolawale Oyebanji Bukoye, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing defence correspondents during a special media tour to the OPWS headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State.
Bukoye, who represented the Force Commander of OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, said the achievements were recorded between January 2025 and January 2026 through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations within the joint operations area.
According to him, the troops also recovered 2,465 cows from suspected criminals, which were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners.
He said, “From January 2025 to date, Operation Whirl Stroke troops have rescued a total of 657 kidnapped victims and neutralised over 124 bandits, armed herders and other criminals across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
“Within the same period, we recovered 98 assorted weapons, 6,364 ammunition of different calibres, as well as illicit substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.”
Bukoye added that one of the notable achievements of the operation was the rescue of an Israeli national, Mr Itay, an employee of SCC Nigeria Limited, who was abducted along the Kufai–Ahmadu Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He further disclosed that sustained military presence in troubled communities had facilitated the return of over 60,000 internally displaced persons to their homes and farmlands.
“Many communities that were previously deserted are now witnessing normal activities. Farming, trading and social life have resumed without fear, as troops continue to dominate these areas,” he said.
The brigade commander explained that beyond combat operations, OPWS had focused on peacebuilding and reconciliation among conflicting communities, including Tiv, Fulani, Opatani, Omangede and members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
According to him, reconciliation meetings were held in Agatu, Loko, Ibi and Omala local government areas across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi states to restore trust and peaceful coexistence.
As part of its civil-military relations efforts, Bukoye said the operation distributed more than 2,800 bags of 50kg fertiliser to farmers to boost agricultural production and strengthen cooperation between troops and local communities.
“The initiative is aimed at supporting farmers, improving food security and enhancing civil-military cooperation within the joint operation area,” he said.
Bukoye assured residents that the military remained firmly in control of security within its area of responsibility, stressing that troops would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to address criminal activities.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their financial and moral support, which he said had contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the troops.
Speaking on recent security concerns in Yelwata community of Benue State, Bukoye said normalcy had been fully restored following sustained military operations.
“There is no security threat in Yelwata as of today. The presence of troops has ensured peace and stability in the area,” he said.
Residents who spoke with defence correspondents expressed confidence in the military, praising the troops for restoring peace.
A farmer, Victor Tor, said he had returned to his ancestral land to resume farming after fleeing due to earlier attacks.
“I am a son of the soil. I have returned to continue my farming on my ancestral land,” he said, praying for the continued presence of the troops until trust is fully rebuilt among communities.
Another resident, a 28-year-old woman, also said normal life had returned, noting that she now carried out her business without fear.
The media tour, organised by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, was aimed at giving defence correspondents first-hand assessment of security situations across the country.
It was observed that a total of 114 attacks were recorded within OPWS’ area of responsibility in the last 12 months, despite the significant gains recorded by the troops.
