Troops Foil Bandits’ Plots, Recover Weapons in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded fresh successes in the fight against criminal elements in Benue State, foiling attacks and recovering arms in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

The operations, conducted between September 26 and 28,  saw soldiers disrupt bandits’ activities in several communities while boosting residents’ confidence in the military.

According to the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed that troops stationed at Abaji acted on credible intelligence about bandits’ movement at Agurugu village on September 26. The soldiers quickly mobilized and engaged the armed group at Sheekan village. Outgunned, the bandits fled, abandoning weapons and other items. A search of the area led to the recovery of:

One automatic pistol, Three 9mm rounds
, Thirty-three 7.62mm special ammunition
, Fifteen 5.56 x 45mm rounds, Two AK-47 magazines and Twenty-nine mobile phones

The statement also said, two days later, on September 28, another patrol team from Gbishe advanced toward Igyudu village following reports of banditry. On sighting the troops, the criminals again abandoned their hideouts and escaped. The operation yielded further recoveries, including:

One single-barrel gun, Three 7.62mm NATO rounds, Two AK-47 magazines, One G3 magazine, One hand grenade, One tear gas canister, Medical kits and Itel phone.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their “bravery, swift response, and professionalism.” He stressed that the ongoing operations demonstrate the effectiveness of current security strategies in the region.

“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” General Gara said.

He further reassured locals of their safety, urging communities to continue providing credible information to aid security operations.