Troops dislodge bandits in Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dislodged a suspected armed syndicate operating in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Following intelligence reports that a suspected bandit leader and his associates were using a hideout at Mtan Village in the Utange Council Ward, operatives of Sector 1 launched a […]
Troops dislodge bandits in Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dislodged a suspected armed syndicate operating in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Following intelligence reports that a suspected bandit leader and his associates were using a hideout at Mtan Village in the Utange Council Ward, operatives of Sector 1 launched a targeted raid on the location.
In a statement issued Sunday night, the OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed that troops advanced to the site and engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.
The armed men reportedly fled the scene during the exchange.
Lt. Zubairu listed the items recovered at the scene, which include two motorcycles, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition and seven empty 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings.
He added that a red Toyota vehicle found at the location was immobilized to prevent further criminal use.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the intelligence unit for providing the actionable information that led to the successful operation.
He urged residents of Benue State to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to help eradicate criminality in the region.