Troops Repel Armed Herders’ Attack on Police Checkpoint in Benue, Recover Inspector’s Body
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, have repelled an attack on a police checkpoint at Uzer in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 8, when troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed at Ayilamo, working alongside a mobile police team, responded to an attack on the police checkpoint by suspected armed herders.
According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the troops moved to the location and successfully contained the attack.
The armed attackers reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops, who subsequently conducted an exploitation of the general area in an effort to track the fleeing criminals and ascertain the extent of the incident.
During the operation, the troops recovered the corpse of a Police Inspector who was killed during the attack.
The remains of the officer were evacuated to the Ayilamo Hospital mortuary for necessary procedures and further action.
The latest incident underscores the continuing security challenges in parts of Benue State, where attacks involving armed criminal elements have continued to pose threats to security personnel and rural communities.
The prompt intervention by OPWS troops helped to prevent the attackers from sustaining the assault on the police checkpoint and potentially inflicting further casualties.
Security personnel have continued to maintain heightened vigilance in the area while efforts are underway to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks on security formations and communities.
OPWS is expected to sustain patrols and intelligence-led operations across its area of responsibility to protect civilians, secure critical routes and counter armed criminal activities.
