Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on Tuesday, killed one suspected bandit and recovered two AK37 and G3 rifles in Benue.

The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi.

Zubairu said the ground and air components conducted a snap raid operation on the hideout of a notorious armed bandit at Mbagen Community in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

He said that upon their arrival at the hideout, troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them in a fierce firefight.

“During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised, while the gang leader narrowly escaped.

“Subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one 36 hand grenade.

“Others were two BAOFENG radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one Sanya motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal operations,” he stated.

He added that the Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their tactical proficiency, gallantry and resilience during the two-day clearance operations.
Gara said the raid had further disrupted the activities of criminal gangs responsible for killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the area.

He affirmed the zero tolerance for criminality by troops, warning criminal elements operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

He further charged the troops to remain disciplined and maintain a high level of combat readiness, and prioritise in-theatre training to overcome emerging security challenges.