Troops Kill Four Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Benue, Taraba Operations

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised four criminals, rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunition during a series of operations across Benue and Taraba states.

According to OPWS, troops on patrol along the Rafin Kada–Donga road in Taraba State engaged armed robbers, killing two and recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition and cash.

In Benue State, troops responding to a kidnap incident along the Antegh–Zongo road in Makurdi Local Government Area rescued two abducted victims after intercepting the kidnappers. One suspect was arrested while the victims were reunited with their families.The operation also led to the dismantling of a suspected drug trafficking network in Makurdi, where troops recovered 641 illicit drugs, ₦821,000 cash and arrested four suspects during follow-up operations.

In a separate raid on a bandit hideout at Imande Igigh in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on May 31, troops killed two bandits and recovered ammunition.

Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.