Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded another significant gain in their mission to restore peace and security in Benue State, recovering arms, neutralizing bandits, and destroying criminal camps in clearance operations carried out over the weekend.
In a daring patrol on the 2nd of Augus, 2025, OPWS troops stormed Tse Adudu in the Gbanga/Tongo Council Ward, where they recovered a cache of arms and ammunition abandoned by fleeing armed herdsmen believed to be responsible for repeated farm invasions and crop destruction in Akpiti village.
Acting on credible intelligence provided by locals, the troops moved into the settlement following reports of cows being illegally grazed on farmlands, posing a threat to local farmers. On sighting the soldiers, the herders reportedly abandoned their cattle and fled into the nearby bushes.
A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of: One AK-47 rifle, One magazine and Five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
All were concealed in a blanket and hidden inside a makeshift hut.
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response to threats against rural communities. He also lauded community members for their patriotism in providing vital intelligence that aided the success of the operation.
Major General Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to restoring peace and promoting food security and economic activity in the region, urging continued collaboration between residents and security forces to tackle criminality effectively.
