Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralises Notorious Gang Blocking Ukum Junction, Foils Ambush in Benue
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security operations ahead of the festive season, successfully dismantling a criminal gang notorious for ambushing travellers in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The joint mission, carried out on 11 December 2025, involved OPWS operatives, the Nigeria Police Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard. Acting on credible intelligence, troops moved swiftly to confront criminals who had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Aturuku–Wembe–Ayati axis, an area that has recorded multiple attacks on unsuspecting commuters.
Military sources confirmed that the armed group opened fire upon contact but were overpowered in a decisive engagement. Three members of the syndicate were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby bushes. Two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered at the scene.
Local community members later identified the deceased as individuals linked to recurring kidnapping incidents around the Zaki-Biam yam market and other parts of Ukum LGA. Early intelligence also connects the group to a bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala.
The operation is part of an increased tempo of security activities designed to guarantee a peaceful yuletide season for residents across the Joint Operations Area.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the synergy among all security components involved in the operation. He praised the professionalism and courage of the troops and encouraged them to sustain momentum through intelligence-led missions and increased presence in high-risk communities.
Below is the full statement issued by the Nigerian Army:
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE INCREASE TEMPO OF OPERATION TOWARDS A HITCHFREE YULETIDE SEASON AS TROOPS FOIL AMBUSH, DISMANTLE NOTORIOUS GANG BLOCKING UKUM JUNCTION
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in a coordinated effort with the Nigeria Police Force, Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard, executed a well-planned operation on 11 December 2025 after receiving reliable intelligence. The security team moved swiftly to confront a criminal group that had erected an illegal roadblock along the route connecting Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.According to intelligence assessments, the armed gang had been ambushing and dispossessing innocent travellers who unknowingly approached the blocked junction. On making contact with the criminals, the troops engaged them decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of three criminals, while others fled into nearby bushes. In the course of the operation, two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered, and a heightened search effort is currently under way to locate and apprehend those who fled.
Subsequent findings revealed that the three neutralised individuals belonged to a notorious syndicate responsible for widespread insecurity, including repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA. Their activities are believed to be connected to recent abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam yam market vicinity.
Community members later identified the deceased suspects as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe, both from Ugbaam Council Ward, and a third individual from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council Ward. Sources have also linked the group to a notorious bandit kingpin, who is known to operate within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, applauded the synergy amongst the security personnel and commended their courage, discipline, and professional conduct throughout the mission. He encouraged the troops to maintain the operational drive, deepen intelligence-led operations, and reinforce security presence in high-risk communities. Major General Gara reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of OPWS to defending lives, enhancing civil authority, and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.
AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU
Lieutenant
Ag Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE
11 December 2025
Major General Gara assured communities across Benue that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring stability, protecting lives, and providing uninterrupted security coverage as the festive season approaches.
