Troops Strike Benue Bandit Route, Kill Suspect and Recover Weapons

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered firearms, ammunition and other items during a fighting patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation was conducted on Wednesday, September 2, when personnel of Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits travelling on a motorcycle along the route.

According to the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops engaged the suspects after positively identifying them, triggering a gun battle.

One of the suspects was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while the second reportedly escaped as the troops gained the upper hand.

The troops subsequently conducted a search and clearance operation around the area to ensure the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.

Items recovered included one pistol, a pistol magazine, an AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two rounds of 9mm ammunition and one PKT round.

The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms believed to have been abandoned at the scene.

Operation Whirl Stroke said the action formed part of its sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities and restricting the movement of armed groups within its area of responsibility.

The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious movements and criminal activities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining offensive patrols and other operations designed to dismantle criminal networks, protect communities and improve security across Benue State.