Troops Dismantle Criminal Networks in Benue Ahead of Farming Season

Troops Dismantle Criminal Networks in Benue Ahead of Farming Season

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have intensified operations across parts of Benue State, recording a series of breakthroughs against suspected cattle rustlers and armed criminal groups as part of efforts to secure communities ahead of the farming season.

In a statement on Tuesday, Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the operations were driven by intelligence gathering and community collaboration aimed at preventing violence often associated with the planting period.

“These efforts have yielded notable successes against criminal groups, particularly cattle rustlers and armed bandits, fostering a safer environment for local communities reliant on agriculture,” he said.

According to him, troops stationed at Ayilamo acted on credible information from residents and carried out a joint operation with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Agro Rangers along the Anyiin–Ugba road.

He added that “four suspects were detained with remnants of butchered cows in their possession,” noting that they were promptly handed over to the police for further investigation.

In a separate operation, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Otukpo, supported by a Quick Response Group, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amla Icho.

“While several suspects escaped into the bush, five were captured,” the statement noted.

Items recovered during the raid included locally fabricated firearms, mobile phones, hard drugs and spent ammunition, pointing to a wider network of criminal activities beyond cattle rustling.

Further clearance patrols in Mbapa and Mbabuande communities resulted in the arrest of four more suspects.

During one encounter, Zubairu said “one armed criminal attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon and was neutralised in a brief exchange of fire, while other members of the gang fled.”

The statement also disclosed that troops rescued an injured herder, identified as Idris Abubakar, who was attacked while grazing his cattle.

“He was swiftly evacuated for medical treatment,” he added.

In another operation at Zongo Akiki, three additional suspects linked to cattle rustling were arrested and handed over to the police.

On March 24, troops on night patrol in Uhembe village foiled another rustling attempt.

“Suspects fled, abandoning stolen cattle and a getaway vehicle, which troops recovered intact,” the spokesman said.

The military attributed the successes to strong collaboration with local communities.

“These successes stem from robust community partnerships, with locals providing vital intelligence that enables swift responses,” the statement said.

The Force Commander, Moses Gara, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining the offensive.

He stressed that the operation is crucial in Benue State, “where farmer-herder clashes often escalate during planting seasons, threatening food security and displacing thousands.”

Gara added that the initiative is aimed at promoting coexistence and ensuring a peaceful environment for farming activities and enduring stability across the region.