Benue: The Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (JTF-OPWS), has committed to restoring peace across all troubled communities in Benue. Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, Commander of JTF-OPWS, made this pledge in a statement signed by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Operation Officer, Headquarters, JTF-OPWS.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gara made the promise during an operational tour of key theatres of Operation Whirl Stroke in the state. The commander urged his troops to maintain confidence, remain vigilant, and adhere to professional standards. He highlighted the task force's use of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies aimed at neutralizing criminal elements destabilizing the state and its surrounding areas.
Gara emphasized the importance of unwavering commitment, resilience, and discipline in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations. He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not relent until peace and normalcy were fully restored in the region. He vowed that all perpetrators of violence and insecurity would be identified, isolated, and prosecuted according to existing laws and military justice procedures.
During his tour, Gara declared, "The era of impunity is over. We are here to reassure our people that the military remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, and that no criminal will go unpunished." The tour also served as an opportunity for Gara to assess troop morale, operational readiness, and logistics posture. He interacted with field commanders to review real-time intelligence and ongoing clearance operations aimed at eliminating armed militias, bandits, and other non-state actors.
The places visited by the commander during the tour included Naka, Gwer West, Otukpo, Agatu, and APA Local Government Areas of the state.