Troops arrest suspected high-profile criminal in Benue

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected high-profile criminal during an operation in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The development was disclosed in a post shared on X on Saturday by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, the suspect was arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out by troops in Agasha Village on March 13, 2026.

Security sources said the operation followed credible information received by security agencies about an attack on a local resident identified as Shaapera Seeta Michael.

Acting on the information, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XI, deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke, moved to the area to track down the suspect.

On arrival, the troops reportedly cordoned off the village to prevent the suspect from escaping before conducting a targeted search.

“During the operation, the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Suurnen David Akum, a resident of Agasha Village, was arrested,” Makama wrote.

Security operatives also recovered a locally fabricated rifle from him.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism during the operation.

He also urged the personnel to remain vigilant and sustain efforts aimed at preventing criminal groups from operating within the area.

The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue before he is handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.