A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the fight against banditry in Benue State, Nigeria, as troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully raided and destroyed several notorious bandit hideouts. These hideouts, linked to the wanted gang leader Konyo Mbise, were located in the Akwaza area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. The operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, marking a substantial step towards ridding the region of criminal elements and ensuring a peaceful farming season.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army, the raid was part of an ongoing effort to capture and destroy identified bandit camps. On May 18, 2025, troops from the 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS, working in close synergy with other security agencies, conducted a successful operation in Konyo Gbise, Akwaza, in Katsina-Ala LGA. The operation yielded a significant haul of recovered items, including a submachine gun, a locally fabricated rifle, ammunition, and various other weapons and equipment. Additionally, the troops seized three POS machines, two power generators, a mobile phone, and several other items that could be used for illicit activities.
The operation also uncovered half a bag of suspected cannabis sativa and portraits of wanted bandit leaders, highlighting the extensive nature of the criminal networks operating in the area. Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their success and urged them to maintain pressure on the criminal networks that have been destabilizing the region.
Major General Gara also made a public appeal to residents of Benue State, encouraging them to support the ongoing military operations by reporting any suspicious activities and providing credible information to security operatives. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial in the efforts to restore peace and stability to the region, allowing for a peaceful farming season and the eventual eradication of banditry. The success of this operation serves as a beacon of hope for the people of Benue State and underscores the commitment of the Nigerian military to protect its citizens and combat criminality.
