Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised an armed bandit and recovered a cache of weapons during a clearance operation at Mararaba Gbagir in Benue State.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, was based on credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected armed elements in the area. According to military sources, the troops encountered the criminals during a fighting patrol and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
One of the suspects was killed in the exchange, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Weapons and items recovered from the scene include six AK-47 magazines, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun, and one locally made pistol. Troops also destroyed charms and shrines discovered at the hideout.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation significantly disrupted criminal activities in the area.
He urged the personnel to sustain the momentum, assuring the public of the Joint Task Force’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue State and other parts of the joint operations zone.
General Gara also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
