Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified operations against criminal gangs across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, killing one bandit and recovering a large cache of weapons during a raid in Mbagen community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Makurdi. He said the operation was carried out on Tuesday after ground troops, supported by the Air Component, launched a surprise attack on the hideout of a notorious gang.
According to him, the troops came under fire on arrival, prompting a fierce exchange that resulted in the death of one bandit, while the gang leader escaped with injuries.
Items recovered from the scene included 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 ammunition, and a Sanya motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal activities.
The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery, tactical skill, and resilience during the operation, urging them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism in the region.
