Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have killed a suspected bandit and recovered firearms, ammunition and other items during a fierce encounter in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, September 2, followed a fighting patrol by troops of Sector 1 along the Gbise–Igyudu Road, where soldiers reportedly spotted two suspected bandits travelling on a motorcycle.
According to the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops engaged the suspects after confirming their identities.
A gun battle reportedly ensued, with the soldiers overpowering the armed men. One of the suspects was neutralised during the exchange, while his accomplice escaped on foot.
Following the encounter, the troops launched a clearance operation across the surrounding area to prevent the fleeing suspect from regrouping or posing further danger to residents.
Among the items recovered from the scene were a pistol, a pistol magazine and an AK-47 magazine.
The troops also recovered eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two rounds of 9mm ammunition and one PKT round.
Other items found included a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms.
The task force said the operation was part of its ongoing intelligence-led patrols designed to disrupt criminal activities, dismantle armed groups and restrict their movement within its operational area.
It urged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, stressing that timely and credible information remains crucial to successful security operations.
Operation Whirl Stroke further assured residents of its determination to sustain offensive patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at breaking criminal networks and protecting communities across its area of responsibility.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
About The Author
