Soldiers neutralise 2 suspected bandits in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralized two suspected armed bandits and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an intelligence-led ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi road in Benue State. The Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, stated on Monday that the operation was carried out following credible intelligence regarding the activities […]

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralized two suspected armed bandits and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an intelligence-led ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi road in Benue State.
The Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, stated on Monday that the operation was carried out following credible intelligence regarding the activities of armed bandits along that route.
He noted that the troops deployed at Naka laid a tactical ambush and engaged the suspects during a routine fighting patrol.
Zubairu explained that three suspected bandits were sighted during the encounter, adding that two were neutralized while the third escaped with gunshot wounds.
“An AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene,” he said.
The OPWS spokesman added that following the operation, troops intensified fighting patrols in the area to further restrict the movement of criminal elements.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, said the success indicates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of the troops.