After a concerted attack on armed bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), had released a kidnap victim and retrieved a stockpile of weapons.
OPWS Acting Media Information Officer Lt. Ahmad Zubairu said in a statement issued on Sunday that the troops took action against the offenders following the receipt of reliable information regarding a gang that was terrorizing villagers in the vicinity of Agera Nagu in Mbagina, Michihe Council Ward, and keeping hostages.
Collaborating with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG), the soldiers engaged the kidnappers in a violent gunfight that compelled them to run and abandon their hostage.
Mr. Teryima Torbee, a 43-year-old man, was saved without any injuries.
According to the statement, a further search of the hideout turned up 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, five magazines, and one FN rifle. In order to keep the neighborhood peaceful, security patrols have now been stepped up.
Force Commander Major General Moses Gara hailed the Civil Protection Guard’s cooperation and commended the troops for their prompt, professional response. He asked locals to keep contributing timely intelligence to support security efforts.
Reiterating OPWS’s resolve to end banditry and other violent crimes throughout Benue and its neighboring states, General Gara stated that “synergy and collaboration remain key to defeating criminal gangs and restoring lasting peace.”
