In a sustained effort to protect farmers and guarantee food security during the peak of the harvest season, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested two herders for allegedly destroying crops on community farmlands in Makurdi, Benue State.
The spokesperson of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
Zubairu disclosed that the arrests were made on November 20, 2025, during routine farmland protection patrols.
“The incident occurred on 20 November 2025, when OPWS troops deployed at Zongo Akiki were conducting a routine farm protection patrol,” Zubairu said.
He explained that the troops were on farm protection duty when they intercepted the suspects.
“The vigilant troops intercepted the two herders after they reportedly led their cattle into cultivated farmlands belonging to local residents, resulting in damage to crops,” he added.
According to the Operation spokesperson, the military’s timely intervention prevented what could have degenerated into violence in the community.
“The swift intervention prevented further destruction and possible confrontation between the herders and the affected farmers,” Zubairu noted.
He further disclosed that the suspects have been detained to allow for the proper legal process.
“The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement reiterated.
Also speaking on the incident, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended troops on the ground while issuing stern warnings to residents.
“The Force Commander commended the troops for their professionalism and urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their hands when confronted with disputes or misunderstandings,” Zubairu wrote on his behalf.
Major General Gara warned that retaliation or reprisal attacks would only worsen existing tensions.
“He emphasised that violence or reprisal attacks only worsen tensions and jeopardise peaceful co-existence,” the statement said.
General Gara equally directed herders to conduct themselves within the law, stressing that the destruction of livelihoods through trespass would not be tolerated.
“Major General Gara also reiterated the need for herders to be law-abiding and refrain from criminal behaviours that threaten law and order,” the statement read.
He added that food security and the protection of farmers remain a core mandate of the Operation, especially during peak harvest periods.
The Force Commander reaffirmed that the Operation will continue to step up farm protection surveillance and maintain peace across affected communities.
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