OPWS Troops Repel Armed Herdsmen, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have repelled an attack by suspected armed herders in Guma Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, recovering two AK-47 rifles and other items during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation, conducted by the Maritime Component of the task force on October 26, 2026, followed intelligence reports that suspected criminal elements posing as herders had crossed from neighbouring Nasarawa State into Guma LGA.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the troops came under gunfire upon arriving at the location but responded effectively, forcing the armed group to flee.

The statement noted that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the encounter.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four empty AK-47 magazines, eight calves, three mobile phones, a National Identification Number (NIN) document belonging to one Umar Yusuf, and N20.

The Force Commander of OPWS and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, commended the troops for their vigilance, prompt response and successful recovery of the items.

Gara urged the troops to strengthen collaboration with local communities and sustain intelligence-led operations to prevent criminal activities and improve security across the task force’s Joint Operations Area.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible and actionable intelligence, as well as for their continued confidence in the troops.

The commander called on residents to maintain their cooperation with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to help prevent crime and strengthen security across the area.