Benue: Troops repel bandit attacks in Katsina-Ala, recover arms, phones

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully repelled fresh attempts by armed bandits to raid villages in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

This latest operation comes just a week after heavily armed herders and local bandit groups, numbering close to a thousand, ambushed security operatives in the same council, killing 11 personnel from the Nigeria Police and the Civil Protection Guards, popularly referred to as Anyam Nyom.

In a statement released Tuesday in Makurdi, OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed that the soldiers disrupted the criminals’ coordinated plans to attack Agurugu and Igyudu villages between September 26 and 28, 2025.

“The operations, conducted between September 26 and 28, foiled plans by armed bandits and also resulted in the recovery of dangerous weapons, further boosting the confidence of residents in security agencies,” the statement partly read.

Providing details, Zubairu explained that troops stationed at Abaji acted on credible intelligence about the movement of gunmen near Agurugu on September 26. They advanced to Sheekan village, where they engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to retreat.

Similarly, on September 28, soldiers attached to Gbise on a routine patrol encountered bandits heading towards Igyudu village.

The criminals were dislodged after a brief exchange of fire and fled the scene.

The troops recovered several items from the operations, including an automatic pistol, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, thirty-three (33) rounds of 7.62mm special, fifteen (15) rounds of 5.56 x 45mm, two AK-47 magazines, and 29 mobile phones.

Other seized items were a single-barrel gun, three 7.62mm NATO rounds, additional AK-47 and G3 magazines, one hand grenade, a tear gas canister, assorted medical supplies, and an Itel handset.

Zubairu also relayed the commendation of the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Gara, who praised the troops for their courage and professionalism. He assured residents that security agencies remain determined to safeguard their communities.

“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” the force commander was quoted as saying.