Troops Neutralise Bandits, Arrest Armed Robbery and Cattle Rustling Suspects in Central Nigeria!

February 7, 2026 2 Min Read

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised armed bandits and arrested multiple suspects involved in armed robbery, theft, and cattle rustling across parts of central Nigeria.
In a coordinated, intelligence-driven offensive, soldiers under Operation Whirl Stroke successfully neutralised at least one armed bandit and arrested several suspects in Benue and Nasarawa States. Military sources said the operations targeted criminal networks responsible for violent robberies, cattle rustling, and attacks on civilians, significantly disrupting their activities.
A statement released by the Joint Task Force disclosed that troops engaged hostile elements during routine patrols and clearance operations, leading to the neutralisation of a bandit and the arrest of suspects linked to armed robbery and cattle rustling. The operations were conducted across multiple locations, including rural communities where farming and livestock activities have come under sustained threat from criminal gangs.
Those arrested are currently in military custody and are expected to be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Security analysts say such crimes have contributed significantly to insecurity in farming and grazing communities across the region.
Military authorities commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, stressing that sustained intelligence-led operations remain crucial to restoring peace and protecting lives and livelihoods. Residents in affected areas have welcomed the latest successes, calling for continued military presence to deter criminal activities and ensure lasting stability.

CITATION:
1.Aljazirah News
https://aljazirahnews.com/troops-neutralise-bandits-recover-ammunition/

2.TVC News
https://www.tvcnews.tv/troops-kill-notorious-bandit-arrest-six-suspected-criminals-across-benue-nasarawa/

3.PRNigeria
https://prnigeria.com/2026/02/06/troops-eliminate-bandit-4/

4.Daily Trust
https://dailytrust.com/troops-kill-bandit-arrest-suspects-in-benue/

5.Leadership Newspaper
https://leadership.ng/troops-kill-bandit-arrest-suspected-robbers-cattle-rustlers-in-benue-nasarawa/