Soldiers Neutralize Bandit, Recover Weapons in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, neutralized a suspected bandit along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. This operation occurred on Wednesday while the troops were conducting a routine fighting patrol.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Officer of JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, reported that the troops encountered two armed suspects on a motorcycle. After positively identifying the suspects, the troops engaged them, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire, during which one suspect was neutralized, while the other fled.

Following the encounter, the troops conducted a thorough search to ensure the fleeing suspect did not pose a threat to nearby communities. Recovered items included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds, one PKT round, a Tecno mobile phone, and assorted charms.

The force urged public cooperation in reporting criminal activities to enhance security.