31/07/2025
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke Neutralise Bandit, Recover Weapons in Benue
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised an armed bandit and recovered a cache of weapons during a successful clearance operation in Mararaba Gbagir, Benue State.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, followed credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected armed elements in the area. According to military sources, the troops encountered the criminals during a fighting patrol and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
One of the suspects was killed in the exchange, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene include six AK-47 magazines, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun, and one locally made pistol. Troops also destroyed several charms and shrines discovered at the bandits’ hideout.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response. He noted that the operation had significantly disrupted criminal activities in the area and contributed to restoring calm.
General Gara urged the personnel to sustain the momentum and reassured the public of the Joint Task Force’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in Benue State and across the wider joint operations zone.
He further appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence that can aid ongoing operations.
The latest success adds to a series of ongoing military efforts aimed at flushing out criminal elements destabilizing communities in the North-Central region.
