By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a suspected drug syndicate, neutralised four suspected criminals and rescued two kidnapped victims during coordinated operations across Benue and Taraba states.
The operations, conducted between May 24 and 31, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and cash, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
The statement said troops intensified intelligence-driven operations against criminal networks believed to be fuelling violent crimes within the Joint Operations Area.
As part of the crackdown, troops searched a recovered vehicle in Makurdi on May 23 and recovered 641 pieces of suspected illicit drugs and N781,000 in cash.
A follow-up operation on May 27 resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug peddlers, while additional illicit substances, a motorcycle and N40,000 were recovered.
The suspects are to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.
In Taraba State, troops responding to an armed robbery alert along the Rafin Kada–Donga Road on May 24 engaged the suspects in a gun duel, killing two armed robbers.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, ammunition and N39,950 cash.
The statement further disclosed that troops responded to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo Road in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State on May 25 and that the abductors reportedly abandoned their victims and fled after sighting the troops.
One suspect was arrested, while the two victims were rescued and reunited with their families.
Similarly, troops acting on credible intelligence on May 31 raided a suspected bandits’ hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where two bandits were neutralised and ammunition recovered.
Meanwhile, troops deployed to Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma LGA following reports of an armed herders’ attack on May 24 evacuated two injured residents to a health facility for treatment while manhunt for the attackers is ongoing.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for the successes recorded and charged them to sustain the momentum against criminal elements.
Major General Moses Gara also urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies and warned those aiding criminals to desist from the act or face the consequences.
