Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded major successes in fresh security operations across Benue and Taraba states, killing four suspected criminals, rescuing kidnapped victims and breaking up a suspected drug trafficking network.
The military said the achievements were made during a series of coordinated offensives, intelligence-led raids and patrol missions aimed at flushing out criminal elements from various communities in the two states.
According to security officials, troops encountered armed suspects in separate operations, leading to fierce confrontations that ended with four of the suspected criminals being neutralised.
The operations also resulted in the safe rescue of several victims who had been abducted and held by kidnappers in remote areas of the region.
In another breakthrough, soldiers uncovered a suspected drug distribution ring believed to be operating across parts of Benue and Taraba. During the operation, security personnel recovered quantities of illegal substances and arrested suspects linked to the network.
Military authorities described the successes as part of ongoing efforts to weaken criminal groups involved in kidnapping, banditry, drug trafficking and other security threats affecting communities in the North-Central zone.
The armed forces reiterated their determination to sustain aggressive operations against criminal gangs and ensure that affected communities regain peace and normalcy.
Residents were encouraged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and reliable information that could help prevent attacks and support ongoing investigations.
The military added that the latest operations reflect its broader strategy of restoring law and order, protecting lives and property, and denying criminal groups the freedom to operate within Benue, Taraba and neighbouring states.