OPWS troops disrupt bandits’ operation, recover weapons in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralized one suspected bandit and the recovered arms, ammunition and other items along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

A statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu said the troops have continued to sustain aggressive fighting patrols across the Joint Operations Area, recording yet another operational success.

Zubairu explained that the troops of Sector 1 were conducting a routine fighting patrol on September 2, 2026, when they encountered two suspected bandits on a motorcycle along the Gbise–Igyudu axis.

He said after a positive identification of the armed suspects, troops immediately engaged the suspects resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.

According to him, during the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second suspect fled the scene when subdued by a superior firepower.

He said the troops subsequently conducted a thorough search and clearance operation around the area to ensure that the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to the surrounding communities.

Items recovered during the operation include one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round.

The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and some assorted charms from the scene.

The Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with troops and other security and law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of suspected criminals as such information remains critical to swift and decisive response to emerging threats.

OPWS pledged to continue to dominate its operational areas through sustained patrols and other intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying them the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.