Soldiers from the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have destroyed bandits’ hideouts in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and recovered a large cache of weapons and other items.
The operation took place at Konyo Gbise, near Akwaza, an area known for criminal activities. The troops, drawn from the 72 Special Forces Battalion and working with other security agencies, stormed the camp linked to a notorious bandit in the area.
According to Captain Abdulahi Osabo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for Sector 1 OPWS, the soldiers recovered weapons such as a Sub Machine Gun (SMG) with magazine, a locally-made rifle with magazine, 7.62MM and 9MM ammunition, and parts of rifles.
Other items found include 3 Point of Sale (POS) machines, 2 generators, a mobile phone, electric cables, a painting machine, 7 solar panels, half a bag of Indian hemp, and framed portraits of bandit leaders.
The army said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to clear out criminals and ensure a safe and peaceful environment, especially for farmers during the planting season.
Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, urged the troops to keep up the pressure on criminal elements and assured that the military remains committed to restoring peace in Benue.
He also appealed to residents to support the military by providing useful information about criminal activities in their communities.
This raid comes amid growing concern over insecurity in rural parts of Benue, especially in areas affected by banditry and violent crime.