By Ijeoma Obioma in Makurdi.
Viewers’discretion advised.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have stepped up security operations in Benue State, providing escorts for farmers, mounting aggressive patrols, and neutralising an armed suspect in separate encounters.
Ita Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops stationed at Ayilamo outpost in Logo Local Government Area on September 15, responded to a distress call after suspected armed herders attacked Tse Anema village, Tombo Council Ward.
According to him,the soldiers advanced on the location, forcing the assailants to flee, and immediately launched patrols to restore confidence among residents.
He added that at Azege village, the troops intercepted two suspects allegedly uprooting yams. Although the suspects escaped, the soldiers discovered nearby soybean farms had been destroyed by cattle, pointing out that patrols were sustained in the area to protect farmers and prevent further losses.
In a separate operation, troops of the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF) deployed at Afia Market in Ukum LGA engaged armed robbers following credible intelligence, the acting information officer said.
“One suspect was neutralised, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of ammunition,” Zubairu stated.
He quoted the OPWS Force Commander, Maj.-Gen.Moses Gara, as commending the troops for their swift response and emphasising the importance of recovering weapons after encounters to prevent their use against civilians.
The Force Commander reiterated OPWS’s commitment to safeguarding Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states from criminal elements.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
