Nigerian troops have arrested suspected herders accused of illegally grazing cattle on cultivated farmland and destroying crops in Benue State, as the government intensifies efforts to prevent renewed violence between farming and herding communities in the country’s Middle Belt.
The operation was carried out by the Maritime Component of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) after farmers in the Lower Benue Basin area of Makurdi reported that cattle had been driven into their farms, causing extensive destruction to valuable crops.
According to military authorities, security personnel responded swiftly to the distress call and found cattle grazing freely across cultivated land. Crops affected included rice, maize, tomatoes and okra, raising fresh concerns over the impact of recurring farmer-herder disputes on food production and rural livelihoods.
The military said the suspected herders abandoned their cattle and attempted to flee after spotting the troops. They were later arrested and handed over to military investigators before being transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution over alleged farm encroachment and unlawful grazing.
Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, reiterated the military’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities capable of triggering violent conflict. He warned that anyone involved in acts threatening peace and public safety would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community support remains vital in preventing attacks and ensuring rapid security responses.
The arrests come amid ongoing security operations across Benue State, where tensions between farmers and herders have repeatedly resulted in deadly clashes, displacement of rural communities and significant losses in agricultural production. The conflict has become one of Nigeria’s most persistent security and humanitarian challenges, drawing national and international attention because of its impact on food security and economic stability.
In a related development, Major General Gara recently visited the attacked Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the military’s commitment to restoring peace.
During the visit, he met with community leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders to gather first-hand information that could assist ongoing operations aimed at identifying those responsible for the attack. He also paid a condolence visit to retired Major General HOU Adoga, whose community was affected by the violence.
Addressing residents, the Force Commander pledged that troops would continue pursuing those responsible for the killings and destruction until they are brought to justice. He assured the community that criminal groups would not be allowed to force people from their ancestral homes through violence or intimidation.
Community representatives alleged that armed criminals have repeatedly invaded farmlands, uprooted yam and cassava crops, threatened farmers with sophisticated weapons and operated from remote locations believed to be around the Amla Icho area. Military officials said attempts to reach the suspected hideout were slowed by difficult terrain, but operations remain ongoing.
Security authorities say Operation Whirl Stroke will continue working closely with other law enforcement agencies and local communities to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect farming communities and prevent further attacks across Benue State.
