BREAKING: Troops, armed herders in gun battle along Naka–Adoka road in Benue

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with other security agencies, engaged suspected armed herders in a gun duel along the Naka–Adoka road in Benue State during a routine patrol.

According to sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the encounter occurred when the patrol team came across herders blocking the road with their cattle. On sighting the security personnel, the herders fled into the surrounding bushes.

Two of the fleeing individuals were reportedly seen carrying AK-47 rifles. When confronted, the armed suspects opened fire on the troops while retreating further into the bush.

The security team returned fire and conducted a thorough sweep of the area. Although the assailants managed to escape, a large number of cattle were seized and transported to the nearest station.

Security forces have since heightened surveillance in the area to forestall further incidents and track down the fleeing suspects.