By David Torough, Abuja

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Kolo Gara, has disclosed that troops of the operation rescued no fewer than 657 kidnapped captives and neutralised 124 bandits, armed herders and other criminals across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) between January 2025 and date.

Major General Gara made the disclosure during a visit by Defence Correspondents to the OPWS headquarters, where he highlighted key achievements recorded by the operation in its ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in parts of Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi states.

According to him, the sustained military operations have also led to the arrest of 38 gunrunners, the destruction of several gun-fabricating factories, and the recovery of 98 assorted weapons alongside 6,364 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

Troops equally recovered illicit substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and other banned drugs during clearance operations.

The OPWS commander revealed that economic and humanitarian gains were recorded alongside kinetic successes. He said troops recovered 2,465 rustled cows, which were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners, while over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their ancestral homes and farmlands within the period under review.

“Some of the recently resettled communities include Agbatse and Abande in Kwande Local Government Area, as well as Aiyla, Ochulokpa, Akaida, Eba, Maikudi, Aku, Okokolo and Ochalanya communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, among others,” he stated.

Major General Gara also recounted the successful rescue of Mr. Itay, an Israeli national working with SCC Nigeria Limited, who was abducted by unknown gunmen along the Kufai–Ahmadu–Wukari road in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

As part of its non-kinetic operations, the OPWS commander noted that the operation distributed 2,800 bags of 50kg fertiliser to farmers under the Army Headquarters’ social responsibility initiative. He said the programme was aimed at boosting agricultural production while strengthening civil-military relations within the JOA.

In addition, the operation facilitated the restoration of law and order in several troubled communities and organised peace and reconciliation meetings involving Opatani, Omangede, Fulani, Tiv communities and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The engagements were held across Agatu, Loko, Ibi and Omala Local Government Areas of Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi states.

Major General Gara reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to sustaining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, stressing that collaboration with local communities, traditional rulers and the media remains critical to achieving lasting peace in the region.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging threats of mutiny by soldiers over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of undermining national security.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the Army said an online report published by Sahara Reporters, which relied on anonymous sources, did not reflect the realities within the force.

According to the Army, there has been no threat of mutiny at any time, stressing that mutiny is a serious offence under military law and incompatible with the discipline and professionalism of its personnel.

The statement noted that Nigerian Army officers and soldiers are guided by established procedures for addressing grievances and do not resort to public platforms or unofficial channels.

It added that unverified online narratives should not be mistaken for the views or conduct of serving personnel.

Clarifying concerns about remuneration, the Army explained that promotion increments are only one element of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. Military remuneration, it said, includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements determined by deployment, qualification and responsibility.

The Army further stated that, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, it continues to implement structured welfare reforms. These include periodic salary reviews, improved operational allowances, better accommodation, enhanced medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families. Issues related to allowances, it added, are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.

According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff has, since assuming office, engaged relevant authorities on troop welfare, with discussions already producing positive outcomes.

The Army also reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, has demonstrated consistent commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces amid evolving security challenges.

Reiterating its loyalty to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, the Nigerian Army described itself as a cohesive, disciplined and professional force focused on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.

The public was urged to disregard what the Army called unfounded reports and to rely on official communication channels for accurate information about the Armed Forces.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging threats of mutiny by soldiers over salaries and allowances, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of undermining national security.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the Army said an online report published by Sahara Reporters, which relied on anonymous sources, did not reflect the realities within the force.

According to the Army, there has been no threat of mutiny at any time, stressing that mutiny is a serious offence under military law and incompatible with the discipline and professionalism of its personnel.

The statement noted that Nigerian Army officers and soldiers are guided by established procedures for addressing grievances and do not resort to public platforms or unofficial channels.

It added that unverified online narratives should not be mistaken for the views or conduct of serving personnel.

Clarifying concerns about remuneration, the Army explained that promotion increments are only one element of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings. Military remuneration, it said, includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements determined by deployment, qualification and responsibility.

The Army further stated that, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, it continues to implement structured welfare reforms. These include periodic salary reviews, improved operational allowances, better accommodation, enhanced medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families. Issues related to allowances, it added, are continuously reviewed within approved government frameworks.

According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff has, since assuming office, engaged relevant authorities on troop welfare, with discussions already producing positive outcomes.

The Army also reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated consistent commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces amid evolving security challenges.

Reiterating its loyalty to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, the Nigerian Army described itself as a cohesive, disciplined and professional force focused on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.

The public was urged to disregard what the Army called unfounded reports and to rely on official communication channels for accurate information about the Armed Forces.