Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully repelled attempted attacks by bandits targeting communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation follows an incident last week in which suspected armed herders and local bandits, estimated at over 1,000, ambushed and killed 11 security operatives from the police and the Civil Protection Guards (Anyam Nyom) in the same area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed that the troops foiled the attacks between September 26 and 28, 2025.
“The operations, conducted between September 26 and 28, foiled plans by armed bandits and also resulted in the recovery of dangerous weapons, further boosting the confidence of residents in security agencies,” the statement read in part.
According to Zubairu, troops stationed at Abaji acted on intelligence about the movement of suspected bandits near Agurugu village on September 26. They advanced to Sheekan village, where they engaged the criminals in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
On September 28, another fighting patrol from Gbise encountered bandits near Igyudu village, leading to the suspects abandoning their positions and fleeing.
Recovered items from the two operations include one automatic pistol, three 9mm rounds, thirty-three (33) 7.62mm special ammunition, fifteen (15) 5.56 x 45mm rounds, two AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine (29) mobile phones left behind by the fleeing criminals.
Other items recovered were a single-barrel gun, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, a hand grenade, a tear gas canister, assorted medical kits, and an Itel phone.
Zubairu also quoted the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Gara, as commending the troops for their “bravery, swift response, and professionalism.”
He added that Gara reassured residents of Katsina-Ala and surrounding areas of their safety, while encouraging them to provide credible information to support military operations.
“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” the commander said.
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