Troops recover AK-47 rifle, ammunition, getaway vehicle during operation
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have foiled an attempt by suspected armed militia members to disrupt the ongoing primaries of the in , arresting one suspect and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The incident reportedly occurred on May 16, 2026, in Aliade, Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.
The development was disclosed on Friday by , who said troops swiftly responded to intelligence about the activities of the armed group allegedly attempting to violently interfere with the APC primaries.
According to him, troops engaged the militia members, arrested one suspect and recovered a Toyota Sienna vehicle believed to be intended for escape, alongside one AK-47 rifle, magazines and live ammunition.
“In Benue State, on May 16, 2026, troops in Aliade, Gwer East LGA of Benue State, swiftly countered an armed militia group attempting to violently disrupt the ongoing All Progressives Congress primary elections,” the statement read in part.
Military intensifies crackdown on terrorist logistics networks
Onoja further disclosed that troops under Operation Savannah Shield had intensified operations targeting underground networks facilitating communication, arms supply and medical logistics for terrorist groups operating in .
He stated that troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Kaiama arrested a suspected terrorist operative linked to an earlier attack on police personnel at Tenebu village after intercepting communications allegedly detailing his involvement in the assault.
The Defence spokesperson added that troops operating at Bokungi in Edu Local Government Area also arrested a high-ranking gang leader travelling toward Ilorin from the Ndeji community.
According to him, mobile devices recovered from the suspect allegedly contained graphic digital evidence showing the individual brandishing automatic rifles and displaying large amounts of extorted cash.
Suspected insurgent informant arrested
Onoja also revealed that troops conducting a cordon-and-search operation in Tunga Maje, Kaiama Local Government Area, arrested a suspected insurgent informant.
He said the suspect’s phone contact list allegedly revealed links to a notorious terrorist leader identified as Abba Salma.
The military said operations against criminal and terrorist networks across the country would continue as part of ongoing efforts to enhance national security and protect civilian communities.
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