By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders on Azege Village in Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area, Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a mobile phone.
The operation, which involved troops of Sector 1 of the JTF and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, followed a distress call received on Monday, August 10, reporting an attack on the Azege community.
Responding to the distress call, the security personnel swiftly mobilised to the area in an effort to contain the attack and prevent further escalation.
The troops, according to the JTF, made contact with the suspected attackers on arrival and engaged them in a gun battle.
The ensuing confrontation reportedly forced the assailants to abandon their position and flee the area after being overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers, during which they discovered one suspected armed herder who had been neutralised in the encounter.
A search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one Nokia mobile phone.
The recovery of the assault rifle and ammunition provides further indication of the level of firepower reportedly available to the group involved in the attack.
The JTF said the recovered items had been secured for further necessary action, while the remains of the neutralised suspect were evacuated by the police.
Meanwhile, security forces have commenced efforts to track down other members of the group who escaped during the gun battle.
The development comes as security agencies continue to rely on rapid responses to distress calls and collaboration among formations to contain attacks and restore security in affected communities.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, commended the troops for their tactical resilience and response during the operation.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force, which participated in the operation.
The JTF urged residents of the affected communities and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
It assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the group and prevent further security breaches in the area.