Troops Bust Bandit Camp, Recover Firearms During Shootout In Benue

Troops of Sector 1 of the Operation Whirl Stroke have raided a bandits’ hideout and killed suspected bandits and arrested many others in the Aterayange area of Ukum LGA in Benue state.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the operation, conducted between Monday night and early Tuesday, was led by M. Babalola of sub-sector 1A, following intelligence on the location of a notorious bandit leader known as “Full Fire”.

The statement reads, “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have continued to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements across Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa State. On 11 November 2025, ground troops supported by Air Component OPWS conducted a snap raid operation on the hideout of a notorious armed bandit at Mbagen Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.”

It added, “Upon arrival at the bandit hideout, troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them in a fierce firefight. During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised while the gang leader narrowly escaped. Subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one 36 hand grenade, two BAOFENG radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one Sanya motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal operations.”

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their tactical proficiency, gallantry and resilience during the two-day clearance operations.

He noted that the successful raid had further disrupted the activities of criminal gangs responsible for killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the area.

Major General Gara reaffirmed zero tolerance for criminality, warning all criminal elements operating in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States to desist or face the full wrath of the law, charging the troops to remain disciplined and maintain a high level of combat readiness while prioritising in-theatre training to overcome emerging security challenges.

He assured that Operation WHIRL STROKE would sustain aggressive operations until all armed criminal gangs threatening peace and stability are completely flushed out from the region.