Troops Arrest 7 Suspected Cultists, Recover Weapons in Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have carried out a precision raid on a suspected cultist hideout in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, arresting seven suspects.
The operation was carried out on 30 October 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminality and restore peace within the state capital and its environs.
During the operation, troops apprehended seven suspects believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, drug abuse, and cult-related violence.
Items recovered from the hideout include two locally fabricated pistols, one laptop, one cartridge, one round of 7.62mm ammunition, one empty 7.62mm shell casing, a dagger, and several bags containing charms and other incriminating materials.
“All suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution through the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, said in a statement issued on Saturday.
The Force Commander, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and resilience in executing the operation successfully.
He urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against criminal elements threatening the peace of the region.
Major General Gara appealed to youths, especially students in tertiary institutions, to shun cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of criminal behaviour, and embrace discipline, patriotism, and the rule of law in resolving conflicts.
He reiterated the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to maintaining peace and security across its Joint Operations Area.
