Soldiers kill kidnapper, arrest two in Benue

Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralized a suspected kidnapper and apprehended two others during separate operations across Benue State. The actions are part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.

In one operation on August 19, 2026, OPWS troops, acting on intelligence, intercepted a suspected bandit leader and associates manning an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis. Upon encountering the criminals, a firefight ensued, resulting in the death of one suspect, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga’. The remaining group members fled, abandoning a motorcycle that was subsequently recovered by the troops.

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On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga’, was neutralised.

In a separate incident, two suspected kidnappers, identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32, were arrested in Gou, Logo Local Government Area. Both suspects have reportedly confessed to attempting to kidnap a resident, Mrs. Balame Nyikwagh. The recovered items from these suspects include a locally made pistol, a cartridge, five mobile phones, an ATM card, an identity card, SIM cards, and charms.

The OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the details in a statement. The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property within its operational areas in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. Residents are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid in their efforts.

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The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.