Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully neutralized criminal elements and recovered arms in Benue State, following a series of swift and professional operations.
On receiving a distress call about armed herders firing shots in Tse Anema Village, troops stationed at the Ayilamo outpost immediately responded. The suspects fled upon the arrival of the soldiers, who then patrolled the area to restore confidence among the local population.
The troops continued their clearance operations in the same region, moving to Azege village, where they encountered two suspected criminals stealing yams.
While in pursuit, the soldiers discovered a nearby soybean farm that had been ravaged by cattle. OPWS troops are maintaining a strong presence to prevent further destruction and ensure a secure environment for farmers.
In a separate incident, troops from the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF), acting on credible intelligence, responded to reports of armed criminals robbing traders at Afia Market. The troops engaged the suspects, killing one criminal and recovering an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of OPWS, praised the troops for their swift and professional response.
He emphasized the importance of recovering weapons from every encounter to prevent them from being used against innocent civilians in the future. General Gara reiterated that the safety of Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States remains the primary responsibility of OPWS.