Banditry: Troops Kill One Suspect, Arrest Four In Benue, Nasarawa

One suspected bandit has been killed, while four others have been arrested by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE during two raids at their camps in Benue and Nasarawa States.

The raids were conducted on Sunday as part of the “aggressive kinetic operations against armed banditry, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes in the North-Central zone.”

Defence Spokesman, John Enenche, in a statement on Monday, said arms and ammunition were also recovered from the bandits.

According to Enenche, one of the raids was conducted at dawn by the troops deployed in Guma Local Government Area of Benue and Keana in Nasarawa.

He said the troops identified the armed bandits’ camp at Guma forest along the Benue-Nasarawa border, following actionable intelligence reports on the location of the camp.

He added: “Adopting an aggressive posture and profile, the gallant troops stormed the location and engaged the bandits in a firefight, overwhelming them with superior fire. In the process, troops neutralized one bandit while others fled with gunshot wounds into the forest. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, one locally made pistol and 3 mobile phones at the scene while the camp was subsequently destroyed.

“Similarly, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Gagbe in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State conducted another dawn raid on another suspected armed bandits’ hideout at Tse Agi in the general area. The gallant troops stormed the hideout and apprehended 4 suspects at the scene while one AK 47 rifle, 2 AK-47 rifle magazines and 46 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition were also recovered at the location.

“The hideout was subsequently destroyed while the suspects are currently being profiled after which they will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency for further action.”

Benue and Nasarawa states have witnessed attacks by criminals in recent times.

These criminal attacks range from suspected herdsmen against farmers, armed militia to dangerous elements.

Some of the attacks were linked to the number one wanted criminal suspect in Benue, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana.