Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle alongside ammunition during a pre-wet season clearance operation in the Agasha axis of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Spokesperson for OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, in a statement on Friday, noted that the operation was carried out on March 26, 2026 by troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI, following credible intelligence on the presence of suspected criminals in the area.

Zubairu stated that the troops advanced tactically, cordoned off the location, and successfully apprehended the suspects, identified as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko from Nasarawa State, as well as Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos, Plateau State.

He listed items recovered from the suspects to include one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition.

Other items included a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, 10 sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms.

He stated that the suspects are currently in military custody pending preliminary investigation and subsequent prosecution.

The OPWS spokesman added that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to secure farming communities ahead of the wet season, adding that troops have sustained an aggressive posture to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the state.

Meanwhile, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience in safeguarding lives and property within the joint operations area. (Daily Trust)