By Atoyebi Nike
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have stopped coordinated attempts by armed groups to raid communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, carried out between September 26 and 28, followed intelligence reports that bandits were moving towards Agurugu and Igyudu villages. Soldiers deployed to Abaji and Gbise intercepted the attackers, forcing them to retreat after an exchange of gunfire.
Recovered from the fleeing assailants were an automatic pistol, dozens of rounds of ammunition, multiple magazines, a grenade, tear gas canister, locally-made firearms, medical supplies, and nearly 30 mobile phones.
The latest operation comes a week after suspected armed herders and local militias killed 11 security personnel in the same area.
Acting OPWS spokesperson Lt. Ahmad Zubairu said the force commander, Major General Gara, praised the troops’ response and urged locals to continue sharing information.
“Our men are determined to secure these communities, and we will not stop until peace is fully restored,” he said.
