By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Joint Task Force of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has recorded fresh successes in its ongoing crackdown on armed criminal elements across Benue and Nasarawa States.
Acting Media Information Officer of the Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the troops neutralised an armed criminal during an ambush operation east of Ayilamo, in Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area, Benue State.
Zubairu said the troops made contact with the criminals during the operation, killing one while others escaped with gunshot wounds while items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and fourteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
He explained that the troops maintained domination of the area after the encounter through continuous patrols aimed at deterring reprisal attacks and restoring confidence among residents.
In a separate operation, Zubairu said troops of Sub-Sector 2 deployed at Maraba Udege in Nasarawa Local Government Area arrested a suspect identified as Ramanu Elizabeth at Maraba Market following a distress call.
He said that a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspect.
According to him, the suspect and the recovered weapon are in custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Zubairu further quoted the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, as commending the troops for their professionalism and operational discipline.
The Commander, he said, urged them to sustain the tempo of operations in ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens across the joint operations area.
Major General Gara reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to maintaining security partnerships, gathering actionable intelligence, and dismantling criminal networks threatening peace in Benue, Nasarawa, and neighbouring states.
