Troops eliminate notorious bandits in Benue, Taraba

The Defence Headquarters has said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, have eliminated two notorious bandits attacking communities in Benue and Taraba States.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement, yesterday, said the operation was executed on Friday. Enenche explained that the operation was sequel to actionable intelligence on the infiltration of armed herdsmen at Chambe community in Logo Local Council of Benue State, where two villagers were killed. He said the troops swiftly deployed to the scene, adding that the bandits had fled the area before their arrival.

According to him, troops tracked the assailants to a makeshift camp at the outskirts of Arufu in neighbouring Taraba. He said: “On sighting the troops, the armed bandits opened fire, troops overwhelmed the criminals with high-intensity fire, killing two of them, while others fled in disarray with gunshots wounds. In the process, one AK 47 rifle, as well as ten rounds of 7.62mm special, were recovered.

“Additionally, the gallant troops have dominated the area conducting clearance patrol from Arufu to Akwana to rid the general area of any untoward activities. The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria congratulates the gallant troops for their dexterity and encourages them to remain resolute in curtailing the activities of criminal elements in the North-Central.”