Troops neutralise two bandits in Benue ambush, recover AK47
By Peter Duru
Troops of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Special Intervention Battalion IX, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a snap ambush along the Naka-Ahume-Makurdi Road in Benue State.
The operation was carried out as part of sustained efforts by security forces to curb banditry and other criminal activities within the state and its environs.
A statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed that the troops were deployed at Naka on a routine fighting patrol when they received credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits in the area.
According to him, acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route where the suspected criminals were believed to be operating.
“During the operation, the troops made contact with the criminals after sighting three suspected armed bandits along the route,” Lt. Zubairu stated.
He explained that in the ensuing encounter, two of the suspected bandits were neutralised, while the third reportedly escaped with a gunshot wound.
Lt. Zubairu added that one AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered at the scene of the encounter.
Following the successful operation, the troops were said to have intensified aggressive fighting patrols within the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action further.
Commenting on the development, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, described the outcome as a reflection of effective intelligence-driven operations.
“The success recorded underscores the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of our troops in safeguarding lives and property,” Major General Gara said.
He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s resolve to sustain the current operational tempo and continue coordinated security operations aimed at improving safety and stability across the Joint Operations Area.
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