Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dislodged armed herders during a routine patrol in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, in a statement on Friday in Makurdi, said the operation took place on Wednesday around Mbakyior Outpost and Agidi community.
According to him, the troops encountered the armed herders at a suspected crossing point in Mbakyior. Upon sighting the soldiers, the suspects fled, opening fire in an attempt to resist interception.
“In a swift and coordinated response, our troops returned fire, forcing the hostile elements to disengage and flee,” Zubairu said.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a mounted magazine, one additional magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Zubairu added that security forces had intensified patrols in the area to prevent further incursions and reassure residents of their safety.
Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to remain alert and responsive to intelligence from local communities. He reiterated OPWS’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.