Nigerian Army troops, with air support and joint forces, repel bandits’ attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with other joint security forces and supported by military air assets, have successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed herders on Edikwu Ankpali village in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to security sources, the incident occurred on 24 January at about 1:00 p.m., when a large group of armed men operating with cattle stormed the community, attacking residents.
Responding swiftly to a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside personnel of the 80 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Operation Zenda, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Benue Police Command, engaged the assailants.
The sources said that the combined superior firepower forced the bandits to retreat into the surrounding forest.
Military air support was immediately deployed, with an attack helicopter conducting precision strikes on two points along the Opaha-Ojapu axis, where the fleeing bandits were reportedly heading.
The extent of the damage caused by the air strikes is still being assessed as several bandits met their waterloo.
The troops have maintained a strong presence in Edikwu Ankpali, while troops continue to hold the Opaha axis with aerial surveillance, carrying out clearance operations and monitoring the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
