Troops dismantle notorious bandit camps in Benue

In a decisive move to restore peace and security in Benue State, troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, have raided and dismantled several notorious bandit camps linked to the feared bandit leader, Konyo Mbise.

The operation, which took place around the Akwaza area in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, was part of an intensified military crackdown aimed at eliminating criminal elements threatening the region’s stability.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army, the mission is a strategic part of ongoing efforts under OPWS to secure communities and ensure a peaceful and productive farming season for residents.

The statement read: “In a recent raid operation conducted on May 18, 2025, troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS, in close synergy with other security agencies, captured and destroyed identified bandit camps linked to a bandit leader in Konyo Gbise around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA.”

The successful operation led to the capture of assorted weapons, including:

One Submachine Gun (SMG) with a magazine

A locally fabricated rifle with a magazine

7.62mm Special Ammunition

A Rifle Butt and Rifle Barrel

9mm Ammunition

Other recovered items include:

3 POS Machines

2 Generating sets

A Mobile Phone

Electrical Cables

A Painting Machine

7 Solar Panels

Half bag of suspected cannabis sativa (Indian hemp)

Different portraits of bandit leaders

The Commander of JTF OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for the successful operation and charged them to maintain pressure on all criminal elements threatening peace and security in the state.

He also called on the people of Benue to support military operations by providing credible information on criminal activities to security agencies.

(Vanguard)