Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed under Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have confirmed the killing of three notorious criminals who belong to a gang responsible for several cases of kidnapping in Benue State.
According to a statement on Friday by Ag Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the criminal gang operates by ambushing and dispossessing innocent travellers who unknowingly approach a blocked junction where they have set up an illegal road block.
However, acting on credible intelligence, the troops, in a coordinated effort with the Nigeria Police Force, Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard, engaged the gang on Thursday, and dealt decisively with them.
Three of the gang members were killed during the operation, while others who fled the scene are still on the run.
According to the Army, 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.
“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,” the statement read.
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