Nigeria: Troops arrest suspected herders over farm destruction in Makurdi
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested suspected herders for allegedly encroaching on farmlands and destroying crops in Makurdi, Benue State, as the military reaffirmed its commitment to peace and zero tolerance for criminality in the state.
The arrests were made on July 23, 2026, by the Maritime Component of JTF OPWS operating from the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, NASME, Jetty.
Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said troops responded to a distress call from farmers at Lower Benue Basin, Ejaha London, Makurdi.
According to him, the farmers reported that suspected Fulani herders had driven cattle into their farms, causing extensive damage.
“On getting to the location, troops found cattle grazing freely on cultivated farmland,” Zubairu said.
“The suspects were subsequently handed over to the 401 Provost Group for further investigation and subsequent handover to relevant agencies for prosecution over alleged farm encroachment and malicious grazing,” he added.
Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, warned that the military will not allow activities capable of escalating tensions and violent conflict.
He reiterated that OPWS maintains zero tolerance for criminality and other unlawful activities, and urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies for swift intervention.
The arrest comes amid renewed concerns over farmer-herder clashes in Benue, a state that has witnessed repeated attacks and destruction of farmlands in recent years.
In a related development, Major General Gara on July 21 2026, led an operational visit to the recently attacked Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area to assess the security situation and reassure residents.
He was accompanied by Principal Staff Officers, Commanding Officers and Component Commanders.
The visit began with a condolence call on retired Major General HOU Adoga at his residence in Upu, where the Force Commander sympathized with families affected by the attack.
The delegation then proceeded to Otukpo-Nobi for a peace and security meeting with community elders and youths.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Gara expressed condolences over the loss of lives and assured residents that troops would pursue the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.
“No criminal element will be allowed to force you from your ancestral homes,” he said. “We urge you to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will help us track down those responsible
During the meeting, community representatives alleged that suspected armed criminals had repeatedly destroyed farmlands in the area. They said yam and cassava crops had been uprooted, and farmers were being threatened with sophisticated weapons.
The Force Commander said an attempt to access Amla Icho for further operational assessment was hindered by difficult terrain, which bogged down several military vehicles. He assured that alternative strategies would be used to reach the area.
Major General Gara later visited the Area Commander, Otukpo Area Command, ACP KO Ugochukwu, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the area
The operations in Makurdi and Otukpo are part of OPWS’s ongoing mandate to secure communities in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states. The Joint Task Force has in recent months recorded several successes, including the killing of suspected terrorists, rescue of kidnap victims, and arrests of criminal suspects.
Lieutenant Zubairu said the military remains committed to protecting lives and property, and to ensuring that farmers can access their lands without fear.
“Operation Whirl Stroke will continue to act decisively against anyone found engaging in criminal activities that threaten peace and livelihoods,” he said.
Military authorities have repeatedly stressed that lasting peace in Benue will require cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
Major General Gara urged residents to share information on suspicious movements, illegal grazing, and armed groups hiding in forests and riverine areas.
He also assured that troops would remain deployed in flashpoints and respond quickly to distress calls.
For farmers in Ejaha London and other communities, the recent arrests offer some relief. The destruction of rice, maize, okra and tomatoes represents not just lost income, but also a threat to food security in households that depend entirely on farming.
The arrested suspects are currently with the 401 Provost Group and are expected to be handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution.
Military officials say investigations are ongoing to identify other persons involved in the encroachment.
Meanwhile, OPWS says it will sustain patrols, community engagements, and intelligence-driven operations to prevent further clashes.
The message from the Force Commander was clear: criminality will not be tolerated, and troops will stay until peace is restored.
“No one has the right to destroy another person’s livelihood and go free,” Major General Gara said. “We are here to protect the people, and we will do just that.”
