Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, arresting an 18-year-old motorcycle rider suspected of attempting to transport part of the pipeline.
The operation took place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following intelligence reports about the activities of suspected pipeline vandals in the community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the acting media information officer of the task force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when they received information about the suspected vandalism.
He said the soldiers immediately moved to the reported location but found that the suspected vandals had fled.
However, the troops arrested a motorcycle rider, identified as Aondoyima Agber, who was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline.
The statement said the suspect remained in custody pending further directives.
“The suspect is currently in custody, awaiting further directives, while troops continue to dominate the general area to deter criminal activities, prevent further attacks on critical national infrastructure and frustrate the operations of armed bandits,” the statement added.
The task force said its troops would continue to patrol the area to deter criminal activities, protect critical national infrastructure and prevent further attacks.
The force commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift response.
Gara described the operation as a proactive step towards preventing the vandalism of critical national assets.
He warned those involved in the destruction of public infrastructure to desist from such acts, emphasising the need to protect vital national assets.
The military commander also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He stressed that cooperation between communities and security agencies was essential to tackling criminal activities and maintaining peace and security across the task force’s area of responsibility.