Troops Destroy Bandits’ Camps, Recover Arms in Benue, Taraba
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed bandits’ camps and recovered arms and a vehicle during a clearance operation in Taraba and Benue States.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi.
According to the statement, the operation, code-named “Operation Golden Peace,” was conducted on Dec. 7 in Akahagu and China villages in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation extended to Ikayor village, where troops engaged bandits at a camp linked to a notorious criminal, Akiki Utiv, popularly known as “Full Fire.”
“Troops applied overwhelming firepower during the encounter, forcing the bandits to abandon their positions and flee in disarray,” Oni stated.
He noted that the troops recovered a red Toyota Corolla vehicle, a motorcycle, a military camouflage trouser, a Beretta pistol with one round of 9mm ammunition, and other items from the camp.
The Commander of 6 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their bravery and commitment to restoring peace in the region.
He assured residents of Taraba and Benue States that the military remained resolute in its mission to secure the area. He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts.
Operation Whirl Stroke is a joint military task force aimed at tackling banditry, communal clashes, and other criminal activities in parts of North-Central and North-East Nigeria.
