“Shock Operation in Benue: Troops Storm Notorious Ukum Junction, Take Down Infamous Kidnappers in Midnight Clash”
By Paul Ebi
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have intensified security operations across Benue State as the festive season approaches, successfully dismantling a deadly criminal syndicate that had been terrorising travellers in Ukum Local Government Area.
In a coordinated midnight operation on 11 December 2025, OPWS forces—working closely with the Nigeria Police Force (Zaki-Biam Division) and the Benue State Community Protection Guard—swiftly moved on an armed gang after receiving credible intelligence of an illegal roadblock mounted along the Aturuku–Wembe–Ayati axis in Borkyo Council Ward.
Security sources said the gang had been ambushing unsuspecting travellers, robbing them of cash and valuables, and abducting victims for ransom. On arriving at the junction, troops made direct contact with the criminals and engaged them in a fierce confrontation. Three members of the gang were neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bushes.
Two operational motorcycles used by the suspects were recovered, and a manhunt is ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the neutralised individuals belonged to a notorious syndicate linked to repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA—particularly around the busy Zaki-Biam yam market area. Community members later identified the deceased as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe, both from Ugbaam Council Ward, and a third suspect from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council Ward.
The criminals are believed to be part of a network operating under a feared bandit kingpin active within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.
Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the professionalism and synergy displayed by all security units involved. He hailed the troops for their discipline, courage, and swift execution of the mission, urging them to sustain momentum and reinforce intelligence-driven operations across vulnerable communities.
Major General Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, strengthening civil authority, and restoring enduring peace across the Joint Operations Area as the yuletide approaches.
