By Ayo Kehinde
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected high-profile militia member during an intelligence-led operation in Agasha Village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, recovering a locally fabricated rifle in the process.
The arrest followed a report of an attack on a resident of the community, Mr Shaapera Seeta Michael. Security agencies received credible information about the incident on March 13, 2026, prompting the immediate deployment of troops to the area.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI were swiftly mobilised to Agasha Village to track down the suspect believed to be responsible for the assault.
On arrival, the troops cordoned off the area to prevent the suspect from escaping while conducting a targeted search aimed at identifying and apprehending the alleged attacker.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Suurnen David Akum, a resident of Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area, was subsequently apprehended during the operation. Troops also recovered a locally fabricated rifle from him at the time of his arrest.
Military authorities said the suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical conduct which led to the successful apprehension.
He urged the soldiers to sustain the operational momentum and remain vigilant in ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within communities in the state.
