Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle along with ammunition during a pre-rainy season security operation in Agasha, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Friday, OPWS spokesperson Ahmad Zubairu said the operation was carried out on March 26, 2026, by personnel of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI following credible intelligence about the presence of suspected criminals in the area.
Zubairu explained that troops tactically cordoned off the location, leading to the arrest of the suspects identified as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko from Nasarawa State, as well as Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos, Plateau State.
Items recovered from them included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition. Other items seized were a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, 10 sachets of alcohol, and several charms.
According to the spokesperson, the suspects are currently in military custody and will face further investigation before being prosecuted.
He noted that the operation forms part of broader efforts to secure farming communities ahead of the rainy season, with troops maintaining strong surveillance to deter criminal activities across the state.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force OPWS, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the region.
