Soldiers from the Maritime Component of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF OPWS) have taken suspected herders into custody following reports of farm encroachment in Makurdi, Benue State. The operation took place on July 18, 2026, after farmers near the Lower Benue Basin, Ejaha London, contacted the military regarding cattle damaging their crops.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer, confirmed that troops from the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering Jetty arrived to find livestock destroying rice, maize, okro, and tomato harvests. The herders tried to escape but were captured and transferred to the 401 Provost Group for further legal processing. Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander, stated that the military will not tolerate criminal acts that threaten regional stability.
Separately, Major General Gara visited the Otukpo-Nobi community on July 15, 2026, following a violent attack in the area. During this visit, he met with local leaders and residents to discuss security concerns and assess the damage. He pledged that the military would hunt down the individuals responsible for the violence. Community members shared reports of armed groups damaging yams and cassava while using weapons to intimidate farmers. The Force Commander also held meetings with the local police command to boost inter-agency cooperation against those operating from the Amla Icho region.
