Army arrests suspected attacker in Benue community

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a high-profile suspected criminal in Agasha Village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following a reported attack on a local resident.

In a statement on Saturday signed by Lieutenant Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Joint Task Force said the operation was launched on 13 March 2026 after receiving credible information about an attack on Mr Shaapera Seeta Michael.

“Acting swiftly on the report, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, deployed under Operation WHIRL STROKE, mobilised immediately to the affected area to track down the suspect responsible for the assault,” the statement read.

Upon arrival, the troops cordoned off the area to prevent the suspect from escaping while conducting a targeted search operation aimed at identifying and apprehending the alleged attacker.

The suspected militia member identified as Mr Suurnen David Akum, aged 27, from Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area, was successfully apprehended by the troops. A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered from the suspect during the arrest,” the statement added.

“The suspect is under investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” it said.

The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical approach, which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect.

He also encouraged them “to maintain the operational momentum and remain vigilant in the ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within the area,” the statement noted.

Culled from punch