Nigeria, Nov. 26 -- Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have taken two herders into custody after they were found grazing cattle on a community farmland in Makurdi, Benue state, during a routine harvest-season patrol.

The arrest occurred on 20 November at Zongo Akiki, where troops have been stationed to protect farmers and curb incursions into cultivated fields.

Speaking on the incident, Ahmad Zubairu, the military operation's spokesperson, said the patrol team "intercepted the herders after they reportedly led their cattle into cultivated farmlands, causing damage to crops."

He noted that the suspects were immediately detained and transferred for further investigation.

The incident comes at a time when farming communities in Benue are c...