Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

This was contained in a post shared on Tuesday on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to Makama, the arrest was made on June 22 at about 7:10 p.m. during a security operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 OPWS in the area.

Security sources said the suspect was picked up based on intelligence linking him to cult-related activities that have contributed to insecurity in the local government area.

“Items recovered from him included one locally fabricated pistol, two cartridges, and a bag containing suspected personal belongings,” Makama wrote.

A source said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to determine his level of involvement and to identify possible accomplices.

“The suspect is under investigation to establish his role and other persons connected to his activities,” the source said.

Security authorities explained that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb cultism and other forms of criminal activities in Benue State and neighbouring areas.

They added that Operation Whirl Stroke has continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations to maintain peace and improve security in its area of responsibility.

Bandits have reportedly attacked Mai Gamji community in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, abducting several residents, including a woman and her daughter.

The incident was contained in a post shared on X on Tuesday by security analyst, Bakatsine.

Accordinh to him, the incident happened on Monday night when the armed men invaded the community and forced their way into homes before whisking away victims to an unknown location.

“Last night, bandits raided Mai Gamji community in Funtua LGA of Katsina State, abducting several residents, including this woman and her daughter,” Bakatsine wrote.

According to Bakatsine, the development has caused renewed anger among residents.

“The incident has sparked renewed anger among residents, many expressing frustration over the persistent wave of kidnappings and the devastating impact on affected families. How many more families must endure this pain before lasting security becomes a reality?,” Bakatsine asked.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the attack as of the time of filing this report.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempt by bandits to kidnap some farmers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The development was contained in a post shared on Tuesday on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who regularly reports on security issues across the country.

According to Makama, the incident occurred around 12:35 p.m. on June 22 along the Kukata-Kotonkoro road, where soldiers on patrol encountered suspected terrorists.

Security sources said attackers had moved into the area to abduct farmers working on their fields but fled when they saw the approaching troops.

“The terrorists ran away immediately they sighted the troops, abandoning their plan,” a source said.

Troops from the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administration Battalion were said to be on a routine fighting patrol when the incident happened.

“Following the encounter, the soldiers maintained their presence in the area and continued patrols to prevent further attacks,” Makama wrote.