Troops of Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested five suspected militia members and recovered a firearm during a clearance operation in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, as security agencies continue efforts to tackle armed violence and criminal activities in the state.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out around 8 a.m. on July 17 by soldiers from the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Otukpo and Oju.
The troops reportedly acted on intelligence indicating that suspected militia members had established camps in parts of the Otukpo-Nobi, Amichio and Amula Forest axis, where they were believed to be planning criminal activities.
According to the sources, the soldiers launched a coordinated raid on the suspected hideouts, catching the suspects by surprise.
During the operation, five suspected militia members were arrested without resistance.
The troops also recovered a locally fabricated Dane gun and five rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition believed to have been in the possession of the suspects.
Military sources said the recovery of the weapon and ammunition was significant because it could have been used in future attacks if left in the hands of criminal elements.
After completing the raid, the troops demolished the identified camps to prevent the suspects and other members of the group from returning to use the locations as operational bases.
The destruction of the camps, according to security officials, forms part of ongoing efforts to deny armed groups safe havens from which they launch attacks on communities.
The five suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation.
Security sources said the investigation would help determine the activities of the suspects, identify other members of the group and uncover any links to recent attacks or criminal operations in the area.
The military also said efforts were continuing to track down other suspected members of the criminal network who escaped during the operation or were not present at the camps when the troops arrived.
Operation Whirl Stroke is a joint military security operation established to combat armed banditry, militia activities, kidnapping and other violent crimes across parts of Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
The operation brings together personnel from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to respond to growing security threats in the North-Central region.
Benue State has experienced repeated attacks over the years, with many communities affected by violent clashes involving armed groups, suspected militias and criminal gangs.
Several local government areas, including Otukpo, Guma, Logo, Agatu, Apa, Katsina-Ala and Ukum, have witnessed incidents that have led to loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
The attacks have also affected farming activities, which remain the main source of livelihood for many people in the state.
As a result, security agencies have increased military operations aimed at flushing out armed groups from forests and other remote locations believed to serve as their hideouts.
The latest operation in Otukpo is part of that broader strategy.
Residents of affected communities have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to sustain military operations until lasting peace is restored across the state.
Traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society groups have also called for stronger intelligence gathering and improved cooperation between security agencies and local communities to identify criminal hideouts before attacks occur.
In recent months, the military has intensified clearance operations in several parts of Benue and neighbouring states, leading to the recovery of weapons, arrest of suspected criminals and destruction of illegal camps.
Authorities believe that sustained operations will weaken armed groups operating in the region and improve security for residents.
The military has continued to urge members of the public to support security operations by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent attacks and lead to the arrest of criminal suspects.
Security officials also advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities in their communities.
The latest arrests and recovery of weapons are expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace in Benue State, where insecurity has remained a major concern for both residents and the government.