Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed a suspected bandit and recovered weapons and ammunition in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. According to him, the operation took place on Wednesday along the Gbise-Igyudu Road when troops of Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits riding on a motorcycle.
The troops, who were on a fighting patrol, engaged the suspects after identifying them as armed criminals, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“One of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second suspect fled the scene when subdued by superior firepower,” the military said.
The troops subsequently searched the area and recovered one pistol, one pistol magazine and one AK-47 magazine.
They also recovered eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two rounds of 9mm ammunition and one PKT round.
Other items recovered were a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms.
According to Zubairu, the operation formed part of sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the area.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing “timely and credible information” on the activities and movements of suspected criminals.
“Such information remains critical to swift and decisive response to emerging threats,” he said.
Zubairu added that Operation WHIRL STROKE would continue to dominate its operational areas through sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations.
He said the operations were aimed at “denying them the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens.”
