Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have foiled an attempted attack by armed militia members aimed at disrupting the All Progressives Congress primary elections in Benue State, arresting one suspect and recovering weapons.

The operation, according to the Defence Headquarters, took place on May 16, 2026, in Aliade, Gwer East Local Government Area.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said troops responded swiftly to intelligence on the movement of armed groups allegedly planning to disrupt the electoral process.

He explained that the troops engaged the militia members, leading to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, live ammunition, and a Toyota Sienna vehicle used as a getaway car.

Onoja said the swift response prevented what could have escalated into violence during the party primaries in the area.

He also disclosed that troops under other ongoing operations, including Operation Savannah Shield, had continued targeting criminal and terrorist logistics networks across parts of Kwara State.

According to him, a suspected terrorist operative was arrested in Kaiama Local Government Area after intercepted communications linked him to earlier attacks on police personnel.

He added that additional arrests were made during cordon-and-search operations, including suspected gang leaders and informants linked to criminal networks.

The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against armed groups and ensuring security during political activities and other public events.