By Ijeoma Obioma.
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have repelled bandit attacks in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, recovering a cache of weapons and reinforcing public confidence in security agencies.
Our correspondent reports the operations, carried out between September 26 and 28, were based on credible intelligence about armed groups mobilising in Agurugu and Igyudu villages.
During an encounter at Sheekan village, troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee and abandon weapons, ammunition, and mobile phones.
Recovered items included an automatic pistol, two AK-47 magazines, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm, three 9mm rounds, 29 mobile phones, and other military hardware.
In a separate operation at Igyudu village, soldiers seized a single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, a hand grenade, a tear gas canister, medical kits, and an Itel phone.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops’ bravery, describing the success as further proof of the effectiveness of ongoing counter-banditry strategies.
He assured residents of their safety and urged communities to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, reiterated the Force Commander’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. He noted that the resilience and professionalism of the troops had produced tangible results, stressing that the Nigerian Army and sister security agencies would not relent until criminal elements were completely flushed out.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
