By Atoyebi Nike
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have apprehended two herders accused of invading community farmlands and destroying crops during a routine harvest-season patrol in Makurdi, Benue State. The arrest took place on November 20, 2025, after soldiers deployed at Zongo Akiki intercepted the suspects for allegedly leading cattle into cultivated plots owned by local farmers.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, spokesperson for the operation, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday. He explained that the patrol was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard farmers and protect food production during the peak of the harvest period. According to him, troops moved swiftly after observing the herders in the restricted farmland area, preventing further crop damage and averting a possible confrontation with residents.
Zubairu added that the two suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue ahead of possible legal action.
Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander, commended the troops for acting professionally and urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands when disputes occur. He stressed that reprisals or violence only escalate tensions and threaten peaceful coexistence. Gara also advised herders to obey local laws and refrain from actions capable of disrupting community security.
He reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to protecting farmlands and ensuring a safe environment for legitimate farming and economic activity.
In a related development, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, operating under the same task force, recently arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba. Soldiers captured Alhaji Abubakar Bawa on November 23, 2025, in Wukari Local Government Area while he was reportedly attempting to flee.
Bawa is believed to have close links to Umar Musa, another suspected kidnap mastermind arrested by the brigade a day earlier on November 22. Initial findings suggest both men belong to a wider criminal syndicate responsible for kidnappings, violent attacks, and a series of coordinated crimes across the region.
