News
Army Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have foiled cattle rustling attempts, arrested suspects and neutralised terrorists during a series of operations in Benue State.
According to a statement posted on Army X handle, yesterday, and signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the operations were carried out in parts of the state between March 3 and March 7.
Zubairu said troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion IX, operating under Operation WHIRL STROKE, arrested three suspected cattle rustlers and recovered stolen livestock during a routine patrol around Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area of the State.
“The operation, which took place on March 3, 2026, was initiated after troops deployed at Obagaji received credible intelligence regarding suspected cattle rustling activities around the Omikwidi general area,” he said.
According to him, the troops moved towards the Ologba–Egba Road and deployed in an ambush position.
“During the operation, troops successfully intercepted a Sienna bus conveying three fully grown cows suspected to have been rustled. Three suspects were immediately arrested,” he said
The suspects were identified as Mamuda Hussein, 28, from Adagbo community; Sunday Moses, 35, from Obagaji village; and Teny Musa, 22, also from Obagaji.
Zubairu said preliminary investigations revealed that the cattle were being transported using a vehicle bearing a fake Kogi State Government registration number plate, Kogi 2LMA 35 LG.
He added that the suspected gang leader, Mamuda Hussein, reportedly confessed that he had been invited to purchase the rustled cattle by two individuals identified as Dahiru and Small.
In another operation on March 4, troops of COAS Intervention Battalion XV conducted an ambush at Abuja Village following intelligence on the movement of terrorists in the area.
During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists. In the ensuing engagement, one armed criminal was neutralised while others fled the scene,” the statement said.
Zubairu said troops later searched the area and recovered one round of 7.62mm special ammunition from the bag of the neutralised suspect.
He added that on March 5 at about 1:30 a.m., troops deployed at Abuja Village came under attack by suspected terrorists.
“The troops responded decisively and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to withdraw. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter,” he said.
In a separate operation on March 7, troops of the Maritime Component at Gbajimba acted on information from a local source in Guma Local Government Area about suspected cattle rustlers attempting to escape through waterways after stealing cows belonging to community members.
Zubairu said troops mobilised to the location and intercepted the suspects attempting to flee by boat.
“Warning shots were fired, leading to the arrest of one suspect with two stolen cows inside the boat. The boat and the recovered livestock are currently in custody for investigation and further processing,” he said.
In another development, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully rescued two kidnap victims in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The victims, both staff members of Unity Bank, were identified as Mr Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37. They were reportedly abducted in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The rescue operation followed actionable intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists and their captives in the area, the acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, stated in a statement made available to journalists, yesterday.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the terrorists and safely recovering the victims.
“Troops thoroughly searched suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but initially found nothing unusual. Further intelligence indicated the kidnappers and their victims remained in the area,” the statement partly read.
Zubairu said additional troops, led by the Sub-Sector Commander, were subsequently deployed to reinforce the search. The operation extended to surrounding settlements, including Tse Anaka, putting sustained pressure on the kidnappers.
“The terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and flee. The victims were safely recovered, and a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the criminals was recovered along the route to Tse Anaka Village,” Zubairu said.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led strategies in combating kidnapping and other terrorist activities.
Gara reassured residents of Benue, Taraba and neighbouring states of the Joint Task Force’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to help dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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