Five suspects arrested as troops destroy terrorist hideout in Benue

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five suspects during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a report on Saturday.

According to the report, the intelligence-led operation was carried out at about 11:00 a.m. on August 1, targeting suspected criminal hideouts in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka and Sabongida Leke communities.

Makama reported that the suspected terrorists fled before the troops arrived at the locations. However, the soldiers continued the operation and arrested five suspects at Sabongida Leke over their alleged involvement in criminal activities.

“The troops also destroyed the terrorist enclave and several life-support structures believed to have been used by the criminal elements as operational bases,” the report stated.

According to Makama, the operation forms part of the military’s ongoing campaign to dismantle suspected terrorist hideouts and disrupt the logistics network supporting armed groups operating in parts of Benue State.

Military sources quoted in the report said the operation is part of sustained efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal groups freedom of movement across the Benue axis while intensifying pressure on their hideouts.

The report added that the five suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation as security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.