MAKURDI, Nigeria — In a swift and decisive strike against rising banditry, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) neutralized two suspected terrorists during a high-stakes clearance operation in Benue State.
The encounter, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, is the latest victory for the military task force as it intensifies its crackdown on armed gangs terrorizing the state’s border communities.
According to military sources, the troops were acting on actionable intelligence regarding the movement of an armed syndicate planning an attack on local settlements. Upon sighting the military patrol, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle.
The tactical superiority of the troops resulted in the neutralization of two suspects, while others fled into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Following the skirmish, a thorough sweep of the area led to the recovery of:
- One AK-47 rifle
- Several rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- Operational items, including motorcycles and communication gadgets used by the gang.
The Defense Headquarters has praised the gallantry of the troops, reassuring residents that the military remains committed to flushing out criminal elements from the Benue-Taraba axis. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any individuals seen with suspicious injuries to the nearest security post.
