The Nigerian army has killed one armed bandit and arrested six others following an attack on individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities in cattle rusting on Benue and Nasarawa states.
The military killed one of the bandits and recovered an AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition, and two magazines, while others, were caught while stealing livestock and apprehended other arrestees were named in possession of butchered meat believed to be from rustled animals.
The troops also arrested one suspected armed robber, Adam Paul, 34, during a patrol based on intelligence from a local hunter, recovering an AK-47 rifle in the process.
Interrogation revealed that the weapon was obtained from one Tela Obu, while two other suspects, John Amos and Elisha, fled and remain at large, with efforts continuing to apprehend them.
The arrests which happened ook place between 3 and 5 February at Agbagbe and Ayamba Village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue alongside Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area, Nasarawa, led to Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Moses Gara, commending the troops for their resilience, vigilance, and aggressive posture in denying criminals freedom of action.
Gara stated that the successes align with the military high command’s directive to scale up and intensify aggressive fighting patrols while enhancing intelligence-driven operations.
He further charged the troops to sustain the momentum and maintain strong fighting efficiency to deter and neutralise criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area.
The military figure expressed appreciation to local communities and members of other security agencies for their continued support and cooperation, which have significantly contributed to the achievements of Operation.
