Troops kill suspected kidnapper, arrest two in Benue

Troops operating under the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have conducted successful operations in Benue State, resulting in the death of a suspected kidnapper and the apprehension of two others. The operations targeted criminal elements involved in illegal checkpoints and attempted abductions.

In one incident on August 19, 2026, OPWS troops, acting on intelligence, intercepted a notorious bandit and his associates operating an illegal checkpoint on the Jortar-Atume road. A firefight ensued, leading to the death of one suspect identified by the nickname 'Cool Nigga.' The remaining members of the group 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 operation within the Gou area of Logo Local Government, OPWS forces arrested two individuals identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32. Both suspects have reportedly confessed to planning the kidnapping of a local resident, Mrs. Balame Nyikwagh. The recovered items from the arrested suspects include a locally made pistol, ammunition, multiple mobile phones, an ATM card, an identity card, SIM cards, and charms.

The OPWS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. The force urged the public to continue cooperating by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing the importance of community-police collaboration in combating criminal activities.

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