Troops kill bandit, recover weapons in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered a cache of weapons during a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in Mbagen, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate armed criminal elements across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.

According to him, “The operation, conducted on November 11, 2025, involved ground troops supported by the Air Component of OPWS. On reaching the hideout, the troops encountered the bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of one criminal, while the gang leader narrowly escaped.”

Items recovered from the scene include two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, a hand grenade, two BAOFENG radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle suspected to have been used for criminal operations.

Zubairu stated that the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their gallantry and tactical precision, adding that the successful operation had disrupted the activities of armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in the region.

Gara reiterated the force’s zero tolerance for criminality, warning perpetrators to desist or face the full consequences of their actions. He further urged troops to remain disciplined and maintain a high level of combat readiness as clearance operations continue.

He assured that Operation Whirl Stroke would sustain its aggressive campaigns until all armed groups threatening peace and security in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states are completely eliminated.