By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have repelled bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State while recovering assorted weapons.
The operations, carried out between September 26 and 28, followed credible intelligence reports of armed groups mobilising in Agurugu and Igyudu villages.
The troops engaged the criminals at Sheekan village, forcing them to flee and abandoning weapons, ammunition, and mobile phones.
Items recovered included one 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, the 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’ gallantry, describing the success as evidence of the effectiveness of ongoing counter-banditry strategies.
He assured residents of their safety and urged communities to continue providing timely intelligence.
