Troops kill suspected bandit and recover weapons in Benue

Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke killed a suspected bandit during a firefight along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Joint Task Force said soldiers from Sector 1 encountered two suspected bandits on a motorcycle during a routine fighting patrol. After identifying the men as armed suspects, the troops opened fire. One suspect was killed, while the other fled after being overpowered by the soldiers’ firepower.

Troops then searched and cleared the surrounding area to ensure the fleeing suspect did not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities. They recovered a pistol, a pistol magazine, an AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round. A Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms were also found.

The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and share timely, credible information about suspected criminals’ activities and movements. Acting media officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu said such information would support rapid responses to emerging threats and that troops would continue patrols and intelligence-led operations in the area.

“

After a positive identification of the armed suspects, troops immediately engaged the suspects, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.