Troops raid notorious bandit hideout in Katsina-Ala, seize arms

Troops under the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have dismantled a feared terrorist network in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, seizing a significant stockpile of arms and ammunition during a coordinated assault.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the mission, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the operation was launched following credible intelligence about the movements of a wanted criminal kingpin and members of his gang allegedly camped in Mtan Village, Utange Council Ward.

“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops advanced to the location and made contact with the armed terrorists. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the criminals to flee their enclave,” the statement said.

Zubairu disclosed that security personnel recovered two motorcycles suspected to belong to the gang leader, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition, links of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, as well as seven spent 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings.

“Additionally, a red Toyota vehicle discovered at the scene was demobilized to prevent its further use for criminal activities,” the statement added.

The Force Commander of JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, applauded the intelligence unit for supplying actionable information that made the mission successful.

He equally commended the soldiers for their discipline, courage, and operational efficiency throughout the engagement.

Gara stressed the need for continued synergy between security agencies and host communities, encouraging residents to keep sharing reliable intelligence with authorities.

“Timely intelligence remains a critical factor in curbing terrorism and other forms of criminality within the region,” Gara said.

The latest breakthrough adds to a string of recent gains recorded by the task force, including the elimination of suspected bandits, arrests of criminal elements, and the seizure of illicit weapons in different parts of the operational theatre.