Nigerian Troops Nab Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in North Central Raid
March 26, 2026
Nigerian security forces have arrested three suspected terrorists and seized an arsenal of weapons in a targeted operation aimed at protecting farmers in the North Central region. The raid, conducted by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, marks a significant step in efforts to secure agricultural communities ahead of the crucial farming season.
Operation Details
Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers from the COAS Intervention Battalion XI stormed the Agasha general area on March 26, swiftly cordoning off the location before apprehending the suspects. The detained individuals were identified as Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, and Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos, Plateau State.
Among the recovered items were an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 27 rounds of ammunition, a mobile phone, a cutlass, and ten sachets of alcohol. Troops also found assorted charms, often used by criminal gangs for superstitious purposes.
Securing Farmlands Ahead of Planting Season
The operation is part of a broader military push to dismantle armed groups terrorizing rural communities, particularly as farmers prepare for the wet season. Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, spokesman for Operation Whirl Stroke, confirmed the arrests, emphasizing that troops remain on high alert to prevent further attacks.
“Security forces are maintaining an aggressive posture across the region to deny criminals any freedom of movement,” Zubairu stated. “Our goal is to ensure farmers can cultivate their lands without fear.”
Leadership Commends Troops
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, praised the soldiers for their professionalism and dedication. “Their resilience is critical in safeguarding innocent civilians,” he said, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by armed groups in the area.
Why This Matters
The North Central zone, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has faced escalating violence from bandits and militia groups, disrupting farming activities and threatening food security. Military operations like this one aim to restore stability, but experts warn that long-term solutions must address underlying issues such as unemployment and communal tensions.
Authorities say the suspects will undergo preliminary investigations before facing prosecution. Meanwhile, residents remain cautiously optimistic as security forces intensify patrols ahead of the farming season.
— Reported by Nexio News
