Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have captured and destroyed identified bandit camps linked to a bandit leader in Konyo Gbise around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue state.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 401 SF Bde/Sector 1 OPWS, Makurdi, Captain Abdullahi Osabo, who made this known on Monday, said the rest achieved followed sustained onslaught against bandits and associated crimes in order to ensure a successful farming season in the state.
He said recent raid operations conducted on 18 May 2025 by troops of 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS working in close synergy with other security agencies led to the capture of assorted weapons including one Sub Machine Gun (SMG) with magazine, a locally fabricated rifle with magazine and 7.62MM special ammunition.
Other items captured are, a rifle butt, rifle barrel, 9 millimeter ammunition, 3 POS machines, 2 generating sets, a mobile phone, electrical cables, a painting machine, 7 solar panels, half bag of suspected cannabis sativa substance (Indian hemp), and different portraits of bandit leaders.
Meanwhile, the Commander JTF OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, while charging the troops to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements that are threatening peace and security in the state, also called on the good people of Benue to continue to support military operations by providing credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to the security agencies.
