Troops Foil Armed Herders’ Attack, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Benue
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders at Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The troops responded to a distress call on August 10, 2026, reporting an attack on the Azege community and swiftly mobilised to the area.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival and engaged them in a gunfight.
The assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and fled in disarray.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers and discovered one of the suspected armed herders neutralised during the encounter.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one Nokia mobile phone.
The recovered items have been secured, while the remains of the neutralised assailant were evacuated by the police.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the group who fled the area.
The Joint Task Force has commended the troops for their tactical resilience and praised the police for their cooperation during the operation.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
