Troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), working with local hunters, have successfully carried out a clearance operation around the Tatough area in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State.
Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade, said the troops encountered armed bandits while escorting bereaved family members to Tse-Ayele village for a burial.
As the troops moved through Tse-Akaajime village, they clashed with the bandits, neutralizing one of them while the others fled. The bandits abandoned motorcycles and mobile phones suspected to have been used in their criminal activities.
The troops also destroyed and burned down all identified bandit camps in the area, preventing the criminals from regrouping or returning.
In a statement, Colonel KO Bukoye, Acting Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, praised the soldiers for their efforts and urged them to stay vigilant and keep up the pressure to rid Benue State of criminal threats.
Troops in Tatough have continued regular foot and perimeter patrols to maintain security and reassure residents of their safety.