Soldiers kill suspected bandit, arrest two kidnappers in Benue

Troops operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue State have successfully neutralized a suspected bandit and apprehended two individuals believed to be involved in kidnapping. The operations took place on August 19, according to Ahmad Zubairu, the acting Media Information Officer for the task force.

In one operation, troops acted on intelligence regarding suspected kidnappers operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar-Atume axis. Upon encountering the criminals, a firefight ensued. During the exchange, one suspect, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga,’ was killed. The remaining members of the group fled, leaving behind a motorcycle that was subsequently recovered by the troops.

In a separate incident on the same day, troops deployed in Logo Local Government Area arrested two suspected kidnappers in Gou Village. The arrested individuals have been identified as Terhile Iyo, 44, and Vershima Emmanuel, 32. According to the statement, both men confessed to attempting to kidnap a resident of Gou Village named Balame Nyikwagh.

Items recovered from the arrested suspects include a locally made pistol, one cartridge, five Tecno torchlight phones, a MoniePoint ATM card, an identity card, multiple SIM cards, and charms. The suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation. These operations occur amid a recent surge in attacks and kidnapping incidents across Benue State.

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On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname ‘Cool Nigga’, was neutralised.