Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have taken two herders into custody after they were allegedly caught grazing their cattle on community farmlands and damaging crops during a routine harvest-season patrol in Makurdi, Benue State.
The arrest was made on November 20, 2025, when soldiers stationed at Zongo Akiki intercepted the herders, who were accused of leading their cattle into cultivated farmlands owned by local farmers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the operation’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops acted in line with ongoing efforts to safeguard farmers and ensure food security as harvesting peaks across the state.
He explained that the timely interception by the soldiers prevented additional damage and a potential clash between the herders and the affected community. The suspects have since been detained as investigations and legal processes continue.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, applauded the troops for their professionalism and urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands. He cautioned that violence or revenge attacks only escalate tensions and threaten peaceful coexistence.
Gara also advised herders to obey the law and refrain from actions that could disrupt communal peace, adding that the security outfit remains committed to safeguarding farmlands and maintaining a safe environment for economic activities.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online earlier reported that troops under the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke had arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, on November 23, 2025, in Wukari, Southern Taraba. Bawa was apprehended while attempting to escape and is believed to be connected to another notorious suspect, Umar Musa, arrested a day before.
Early findings suggest the two are members of a wider criminal network linked to multiple kidnappings, violent attacks and coordinated criminal operations across the region.