Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security patrols across Benue State, escorting farmers to their fields and responding to armed attacks, with one criminal neutralised and arms recovered during a robbery incident in Ukum Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement on Wednesday, Acting Media Information Officer of HQ JTF Operarion Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said soldiers deployed at Ayilamo outpost in Logo LGA swiftly moved into action on September 15 after receiving a distress call about armed herders shooting sporadically at Tse Anema village, Tombo Council Ward.
“Although the suspects fled on sighting the advancing soldiers, the troops carried out aggressive patrols to dominate the area and reassure residents,” the statement read
The statement further noted that during clearance operations at Azege village, also in Logo LGA, troops intercepted two suspected criminals uprooting yams from farmland. The suspects reportedly fled into the bush when confronted. Soldiers also discovered a soybean farm ravaged by cattle and maintained patrols to prevent further destruction, while securing the environment for farmers.
In a separate operation, at about 5:15 p.m. the same day, “troops of the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF) deployed at Afia Market, Ukum LGA, responded to intelligence reports of armed criminals robbing traders. Upon arrival, the soldiers engaged the suspects, neutralizing one criminal and recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their “swift and professional response,” stressing the importance of disarming criminal elements.
“Every encounter with armed elements must be followed with recovery of weapons to prevent such arms from being used against innocent citizens in the future,” Gara said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to ensuring that Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States remain secured from violent criminals.
