The Nigerian military says troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized armed bandits, arrested suspected militias and recovered arms and ammunition in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
The coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche in a statement said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recorded tremendous successes against criminal elements.
He explained that following credible intelligence on the presence of some suspected armed herdsmen harbouring in the forest boundary between Benue and Nasarawa States on 14 September, troops of Sector 1 engaged the bandits at first light with many of them escaping with gun shot wounds, adding that, their camp was subsequently destroyed.
Following the actionable intelligence on the possible hideout of remnants of late Gana’s militia elements around Adu general area in Chanchanji council ward of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Troops of Sector 2 deployed at Gbise in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State in conjunction with troops of Sector 4 conducted a joint dawn raid operation on the identified hideout at Adu.
Enenche added that in the course of the operation, troops had contact with the armed militias who fired at troops as they closed in on their position.
He said the troops swiftly responded with superior fire, forcing the bandits to flee the camp in disarray into the surrounding forest.
In the course of the encounter, two armed militias were neutralized and two locally made pistols were recovered from the bandits.
He further explained that the troops carried out another raid operation on another identified armed bandits hideout at Chanchanji in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State and Sai in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
He said during Operation three suspects; Saalu Igbua Terlumun, Benjamin Valentine and Milton Gbegi were arrested at Sai while Isaac Hilega aka Bawasa and Godwin Terwase were arrested at Chanchanji.
Enenche revealed that the gallant troops combed the hideouts leading to the recovery of 16 Handsets, Charms and some substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
He said the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation after which they will be handed over to the police for further action.
“Currently, troops have dominated the area with fighting patrols to deter armed elements and deny them freedom of movement.”
