Benue: Army troops raid bandits’ hideout in Ukum, neutralise one, recover rifles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have raided a bandits’ hideout in Aterayange general area of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, neutralising one suspected bandit and recovering arms and ammunition.
Zagazola report that the operation was carried out between Monday night and early Tuesday.
Sources stated that troops of Sub-Sector 1A, led by Maj. M. Babalola, launched the raid after receiving intelligence on the location of a notorious bandit leader identified as Full Fire.
The troops arrived at the objective at about 3:45 a.m. and engaged the armed group.
Although the bandit leader escaped during the engagement, one bandit was neutralised.
Items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, two Baofeng radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one motorcycle.
The sources added that exploitation of the area was still ongoing, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained high.
Operation Whirl Stroke is the joint military operation combating banditry and other violent crimes in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
