On May 18, 2025, troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out a major raid on bandit hideouts in Konyo Gbise, near Akwaza in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State. The operation aimed to eliminate criminal activities and ensure a smooth farming season for residents.
The raid led to the destruction of multiple bandit camps linked to a notorious leader operating in the area. During the operation, a range of weapons and criminal items were seized. These included a submachine gun with a magazine, a locally made rifle, and 7.62mm ammunition. Other captured items were a rifle butt, barrel, 9mm ammunition, solar panels, two generating sets, three POS machines, a mobile phone, electrical cables, a painting machine, and a half bag of suspected Indian hemp. Several portraits of bandit leaders were also found.
The commander of JTF OPWS, Major-General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to continue applying pressure on criminals causing insecurity in the region. He also appealed to the people of Benue to actively support military operations by sharing vital information about criminal activities in their communities.
