Troops Kill Suspected Bandit, Recover Weapons In Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have killed one suspected bandit and recovered weapons during a patrol on the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Joint Task Force said troops from Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits on a motorcycle on Wednesday. One suspect was killed during an exchange of fire, while the second fled.

Acting media officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu said the troops searched the area after the encounter to make sure the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.

The items recovered included one pistol, one pistol magazine, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round. A Tecno phone and assorted charms were also recovered.

The task force asked residents to keep providing credible information on the movement of suspected criminals, saying such reports help security agencies respond faster to threats.

Benue has remained one of the North Central states under heavy security pressure, with rural communities repeatedly reporting attacks, kidnappings and armed movements along local roads.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust and Premium Times