Troops gun down bandit during clearance operation in Benue

Security forces in Benue State have intensified operations to restore peace, with troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) teaming up with local hunters to carry out a clearance mission in the Tatough area of Makurdi Local Government Area.

According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, Captain Abdullahi Osabo, the operation involved a fighting patrol as well as an escort mission for bereaved family members traveling to Tse-Ayele village for a burial.

During the mission, troops swept through several areas identified as security hotspots, including Mdoor, Anter, Tse-Gegu, Tse-Akaajime, Tse-Agam, and Ndor villages.

“While advancing through Tse-Akaajime village, troops encountered armed bandits. A brief but intense firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralization of one bandit, while others fled in disarray, abandoning their positions. Items recovered from the scene included two Tecno mobile phones and three motorcycles, suspected to have been used in coordinating criminal activities.

“In the aftermath of the encounter, troops destroyed and set ablaze all identified bandit camps in the area, effectively denying the criminals the ability to regroup or reestablish their presence,” the statement issued on Saturday said.

Troops stationed in Tatough have continued aggressive foot and perimeter patrols to maintain security and reassure local residents of their safety.

The Acting Commander of 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 OPWS, Colonel KO Bukoye, commended the troops for their “gallantry, professionalism, and dedication to duty,” urging them to “remain vigilant and sustain the operational momentum in the collective effort to rid Benue State of criminal elements.”