Troops deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected militia member during a targeted security operation in Agasha Village, located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrest followed a report that a resident of the community, identified as Mr. Shaapera Seeta Michael, was attacked by an alleged criminal.
Acting on the information, security operatives quickly launched an intelligence-led operation aimed at tracking down the individual believed to be responsible for the assault.
Military authorities confirmed that the operation was carried out on March 13, 2026, after security agencies received credible intelligence regarding the incident.
The troops involved were drawn from the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, a special unit currently deployed to strengthen security operations in parts of Benue State and neighbouring areas.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, the troops were immediately mobilised once the report of the attack was received.
The quick response formed part of the ongoing security efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke, which focuses on tackling violent criminal activities and militia attacks across the North-Central region.
On arriving in Agasha Village, the troops began by securing the area and establishing a perimeter around key entry and exit points.
This tactical approach was intended to prevent the suspect from fleeing the community before security personnel could identify and apprehend him.
The soldiers subsequently conducted a targeted search operation within the village.
The search was carefully coordinated based on intelligence gathered from local sources and security networks.
Their efforts eventually led to the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect identified as Mr. Suurnen David Akum, a resident of Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area.
Security officials believe the suspect may be linked to militia activities that have troubled several communities in the region in recent years.
During the arrest, the troops also recovered a locally fabricated rifle believed to have been in the possession of the suspect.
The weapon has since been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say the recovery of the firearm further supports suspicions that the suspect may have been involved in criminal activities within the community.
Military authorities noted that the suspect is currently undergoing preliminary interrogation while investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the reported attack.
After the investigation stage, he is expected to be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further legal action.
The arrest represents another operational milestone for Operation Whirl Stroke, which was established to address persistent security challenges across Benue and neighbouring states.
Over the years, the task force has been involved in multiple operations targeting armed groups responsible for attacks on communities, farmland destruction and other violent crimes.
Local residents in parts of Benue State have often expressed concern over militia activities that have disrupted farming and threatened rural livelihoods.
Security agencies say intelligence gathering and cooperation with communities remain critical to addressing these challenges.
The latest operation in Agasha Village highlights the continued efforts by the Nigerian military to respond quickly to security threats in rural communities.
Officials emphasised that timely information from residents played an important role in enabling troops to act swiftly.
Reacting to the successful arrest, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and discipline during the mission.
He praised their swift deployment and effective tactical approach, noting that such actions are essential in ensuring that criminal suspects are apprehended without causing further harm to innocent residents.
Major General Gara also encouraged troops to remain vigilant and maintain operational momentum as security forces continue to confront criminal elements across the region.
According to him, the mission of Operation Whirl Stroke remains focused on denying armed groups the ability to operate freely within communities.
He stressed that the task force would continue to carry out intelligence-driven operations aimed at improving security and restoring confidence among residents.
Security officials further assured the public that efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Benue State would continue.
They urged community members to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities that could threaten public safety.
Authorities believe that stronger collaboration between residents and security personnel will play a vital role in sustaining the progress achieved by Operation Whirl Stroke and preventing further criminal incidents across vulnerable communities.
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