Forces of Operation WHIRL STROKE have detained a prominent suspected offender during an intelligence-led operation in Agasha Village, Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, following an alert regarding an assault on a local inhabitant.
This was revealed in a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt Ahmad Zubairu.
He mentioned that the operation commenced on March 13, 2026, after security agencies obtained reliable intelligence concerning an attack on Mr. Shaapera Seeta Michael in Agasha Village.
Acting promptly on the information, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI, deployed under Operation WHIRL STROKE, immediately mobilized to the affected region to locate the individual responsible for the attack.
Lt Zubairu stated that upon arrival, the troops secured the area to prevent the suspect from fleeing while executing a targeted search operation focused on identifying and capturing the alleged assailant.
He reported that the suspected militia member, recognized as Mr. Suurnen David Akum, 27, from Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area, was effectively apprehended by the troops.
Lt Zubairu further noted that a locally handmade firearm was also seized from the suspect during the arrest.
He indicated that the suspect is currently under inquiry before being transferred to the relevant authorities for further proceedings.
According to Lt Zubairu, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism and strategic approach, which facilitated the successful capture of the suspect.
He urged them to sustain the operational momentum and stay alert in the continuous efforts to restrict criminal elements from operating within the area.
