Troops kill two bandits in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised two suspected bandits along the Katsina Ala–Zaki Biam road in Benue State.

The acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.

According to Lt. Zubairu, the troops, in conjunction with the state security outfit known as the Civil Protection Guard, mobilised to the scene based on credible intelligence.

The statement read partly: “Upon arrival at the identified location, troops made contact with the suspected bandits.

“In the ensuing engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush with possible gunshot wounds.”

The spokesperson listed items recovered from the scene to include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pair of green camouflage uniforms abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

While commending the troops, the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, said that the proactive posture and commitment to duty have continued to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

Major General Gara also expressed appreciation to members of the local communities for providing timely and actionable intelligence, which he said remains critical to operational success.

He encouraged residents of the state to sustain their cooperation with security agencies and assured them of the military’s unwavering resolve to safeguard lives and property.

The force commander also urged troops to maintain the established synergy with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, stressing that collective efforts remain essential to achieving enduring security and stability across the Joint Operations Area.