Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully repelled coordinated attempts by armed bandits to raid communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The development follows barely a week after suspected herdsmen and local bandits, reportedly numbering about a thousand, staged an ambush that left 11 security operatives including police personnel and members of the Civil Protection Guards, also known as Anyam Nyom dead in the same LGA.
In a statement released in Makurdi on Tuesday, OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed that troops, acting on intelligence between September 26 and 28, 2025, frustrated planned assaults on Agurugu and Igyudu villages.
“The operations, conducted between September 26 and 28, foiled plans by armed bandits and also resulted in the recovery of dangerous weapons, further boosting the confidence of residents in security agencies,” the statement partly read.
Giving further details, Zubairu said that on September 26, troops stationed at Abaji acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits near Agurugu village. They advanced to Sheekan village where they engaged the criminals in a firefight, compelling them to retreat.
He added that on September 28, soldiers on patrol from Gbise encountered another group of bandits en route to Igyudu village, forcing the assailants to abandon their positions after a clash.
Among items recovered were: one automatic pistol, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, thirty-three (33) 7.62mm special rounds, fifteen (15) 5.56x45mm rounds, two AK-47 magazines, and twenty-nine mobile phones.
Other seized materials included a single-barrel firearm, three rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two more AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, a hand grenade, a tear gas canister, assorted medical supplies, and an Itel mobile device.
Zubairu also cited OPWS Force Commander, Major General Gara, who praised the soldiers for their courage, quick response, and professionalism.
According to him, the commander reassured residents of Katsina-Ala and surrounding areas of their safety, calling on them to continue sharing useful intelligence to support the operations.
“We remain committed to restoring lasting peace in Benue and neighbouring states. Our troops have shown resilience and determination, and we will not relent until these areas are completely secured,” the force commander was quoted as saying.
Benue: Troops foil bandit attacks in Katsina-Ala, recover arms