Troops from Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), successfully neutralised a suspected bandit and confiscated an assortment of weapons and ammunition during a recent security patrol in Benue State. The tactical operation was carried out along the Gbise–Igyudu Road , situated within the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

The military breakthrough was confirmed in an official press statement released by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu , the Acting Media Information Officer for the JTF Headquarters. According to Zubairu, the confrontation occurred on Wednesday after patrolling soldiers intercepted two armed suspects traveling along the axis on a motorcycle, leading to a swift engagement.

Troops engaged the suspects after positively identifying them, resulting in a fierce gun battle that led to the neutralization of one of the criminals, according to Zubairu.He disclosed that the second suspect escaped from the scene after being overpowered by the soldiers.

Zubairu noted that a follow-up search and clearance operation conducted in the area led to the recovery of one pistol, a pistol magazine, and an AK-47 magazine.

He further revealed that other items recovered from the scene include eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, one PKT round, a Tecno mobile phone, and various charms believed to be used by the suspects.

Zubairu called on residents to remain vigilant and to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information on the activities and movements of criminal elements. He stressed that such intelligence is vital for swift response to emerging threats, assuring that troops will sustain patrols and intelligence-driven operations within their area of responsibility to dismantle criminal networks and protect communities.