Soldiers repel suspected armed herders, recover arms in Benue

Troops of the Maritime Component of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have repelled suspected armed herders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The troops also recovered a cache of arms and other items during the operation.

The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

According to him, the operation followed credible and actionable intelligence indicating that some criminal elements posing as herders had crossed from Nasarawa State into Guma LGA.

“On arrival at the location, the troops came under gunfire from the armed group. The troops responded effectively, repelled the attack and forced the assailants to flee. No casualties were recorded among the troops.

“Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four empty AK-47 magazines, eight calves, three mobile phones, a National Identification Number document belonging to one Mr Umar Yusuf, and the sum of ₦20,” the statement read.

Zubairu said the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their vigilance, prompt response and successful recovery of the items.

Gara also urged the troops to strengthen collaboration with local communities and sustain intelligence-led operations to prevent criminal activities and improve security across the joint operations area.

The force commander appreciated members of the public for providing credible and actionable intelligence and for the confidence they continued to repose in the troops.

He urged residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.