Troops raid notorious bandit syndicate in Benue, recover arm

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have dislodged suspected terrorists in a notorious terrorist hideout in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Makurdi, by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters OPWS.

Zubairu said the troops recovered a significant cache of ammunition and other logistics items of the suspected terrorists during a raid operation.

He explained that the troops from Sector 1 Operation OPWS, received information that the criminal kingpin and his associates were operating from a hideout at Mtan Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.

He said the troops immediately advanced to the location and made contact with the suspected armed terrorists, adding that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued forcing the terrorists to flee their enclave.

“Troops recovered two motorcycles believed to belong to the suspected notorious terrorists, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition,and 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

”The troops also recovered links of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and seven empty 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings, while a red Toyota vehicle discovered at the scene was demobilised to prevent its further use for criminal activities,” he said.

Zabairu added that the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gera had commended the intelligence team for their relentless efforts in providing timely information that enabled the successful operation.

Gera also lauded the troops for their resilience, professionalism and tactical dexterity in confronting the criminal elements.

He reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration between security forces and local communities and urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to security agencies.