Troops Arrest 27-Year-Old Suspect During Benue Intelligence-Led Raid 

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke have apprehended a suspected militia member during an intelligence-driven operation in Agasha village, located in Guma Local Government Area.

In a statement released on Saturday, Ahmad Zubairu, the acting media information officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke, said the arrest followed a reported attack on a resident of the community.

Zubairu explained that security agencies received credible intelligence on March 13 indicating that a resident identified as Shaapera Michael had been assaulted.

The information prompted the deployment of troops to the area to identify and apprehend the suspected attacker.

According to him, soldiers of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI operating under Operation Whirl Stroke were immediately mobilised to Agasha village to track the suspect. The troops reportedly sealed off the area to prevent any escape while carrying out a focused search operation.

The military spokesperson said the suspect, identified as Suurnen David Akum, a 27-year-old resident of Agasha village, was eventually arrested by the troops. A locally made rifle was also recovered from him at the time of the arrest.

He added that the suspect is currently being investigated and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities once preliminary inquiries are completed.

Meanwhile, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical execution of the mission.

Zubairu said the commander also urged personnel to maintain operational momentum and remain alert in ongoing efforts to prevent criminal groups from operating freely within the area.