By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security operations in Benue State, providing escorts for farmers and neutralising a suspected criminal during separate operations.
Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said in a statement on Wednesday that troops deployed at Ayilamo outpost in Logo Local Government Area swiftly responded to a distress call on September 15 over armed herders allegedly shooting at Tse Anema village in Tombo Council Ward.
The statement indicated that although the suspects fled on sighting the soldiers, the troops dominated the area with aggressive patrols to restore confidence among residents.
It noted that during clearance operations at Azege village in the same ward, the soldiers intercepted two suspected criminals uprooting yams from a farm while the suspects escaped, the troops later discovered another farmland of soybeans had been ravaged by cattle.
The statement said patrols were maintained to prevent further destruction and guarantee farmers a safe environment.
In a related operation, troops of the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF) deployed at Afia Market in Ukum LGA were said to have responded to intelligence about armed robbers attacking traders.
The soldiers according to the statement engaged the suspects, neutralised one, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their swift and professional action as he stressed the importance of recovering weapons after every encounter to prevent their use against civilians.
He further reaffirmed OPWS’s mandate to secure Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states from all outlaws.
