Benue Security: Soldiers Storm Bandit Camp, Kill One, Recover Weapons

Soldiers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have killed a suspected bandit and recovered arms during a raid in Ukum local government area of Benue state.

The military said the operation was carried out on November 11 at Mbagen community.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer of OPWS, said troops engaged the suspects in a firefight.

He said one bandit was killed while the gang leader escaped.

Zubairu said items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, six magazines, a grenade, two communication radios, 162 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.

He said Moses Gara, force commander of OPWS, praised the troops for their “tactical proficiency and gallantry”.

Zubairu quoted the commander as saying the operation disrupted the activities of armed groups responsible for killings and kidnappings in the area.

Gara was said to have warned criminal groups across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba to desist or face consequences.

He said OPWS will sustain offensive operations until “all armed criminal gangs are flushed out”.