Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, have launched a successful raid on bandits’ camps linked to a notorious leader in Konyo Gbise, near Akwaza in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army, the operation conducted on May 18, 2025—was part of a broader campaign to eliminate criminal elements across the OPWS operational zone and to secure the state ahead of the farming season.

“Troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion, in close coordination with other security units, carried out a decisive raid on camps associated with a known bandit leader in the Konyo Gbise area,” the statement said.

During the operation, troops recovered a cache of arms and equipment, including one submachine gun (SMG) with a magazine, a locally made rifle with a magazine, 7.62mm special ammunition, and a rifle butt and barrel. Other items seized include 9mm ammunition, three POS machines, two generators, a mobile phone, electrical cables, a painting machine, seven solar panels, and a half bag of suspected cannabis sativa (Indian hemp).

Troops also discovered several framed portraits of bandit leaders, suggesting the hideout’s significance within the criminal network.

Commander of JTF OPWS, Major-General Moses Gara, praised the troops for the successful mission and urged them to maintain relentless pressure on criminal elements undermining peace and security in the region.

He also appealed to residents of Benue State to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible intelligence on the activities of criminals in their communities.