Operation Whirl Stroke troops intensify crackdown on cultism, seize firearms and charms in Benue State
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified their crackdown on criminal activities in Benue State with a successful raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout in the North Bank area of Makurdi. The operation, conducted on 30 October 2025, is part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace within the state capital and surrounding communities.
During the operation, troops arrested seven suspected cultists believed to be connected to incidents of armed robbery, drug abuse, and cult-related violence. Items recovered from the hideout include two locally fabricated pistols, one laptop, one cartridge, one round of 7.62mm ammunition, an empty shell casing, one dagger, and several bags containing charms and other incriminating materials.
According to the military, all arrested suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and will be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and determination during the raid. He urged them to sustain their momentum in the fight against criminal groups undermining the peace and stability of the region.
General Gara also cautioned youths, particularly students in tertiary institutions, against engaging in cultism, drug abuse, and other unlawful activities. He encouraged them to embrace discipline, patriotism, and peaceful conflict resolution.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to maintaining peace, security, and law and order across its operational areas in the North Central region.
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