Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have shot dead three suspected members of a notorious criminal network while foiling an ambush in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The joint security outfit, which oversees operations across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, launched the operation following credible intelligence on the movement of armed gangs behind persistent kidnappings and serial attacks in the Sankera axis.
The acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, announced the development yesterday in a statement.
He said troops, acting on actionable intelligence and in concert with sister security agencies, moved to disrupt an ambush being set up by the criminal group.
According to the statement, “The security team moved swiftly to confront a criminal group that had erected an illegal roadblock along the route connecting Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.”
The troops reportedly came under fire on arrival at the illegal checkpoint and responded with superior firepower.
“On making contact with the criminals, the troops engaged them decisively, resulting in the killing of three criminals, while others fled into nearby bushes.”
Lt. Zubairu said subsequent intelligence assessments confirmed that the neutralised suspects were part of a hardened network linked to recurring abductions and violent attacks targeting travellers and farming communities.
“Subsequent findings revealed that the three killed individuals belonged to a notorious syndicate responsible for widespread insecurity, including repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA.
Their activities are believed to be connected to recent abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam yam market vicinity.”
Residents later identified the deceased as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, and a third suspect from Tse Kpeakaa in Kundav Council Ward.
The statement further indicated that the gang maintains ties to a notorious bandit commander operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.
Troops recovered two motorcycles from the scene, while efforts to track fleeing members of the group have been intensified.
OPWS Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, applauded the synergy displayed by the security components, extolling the troops for their professionalism and gallantry.
He urged them to maintain their operational tempo and strengthen intelligence-driven missions across vulnerable communities.
OPWS has recently stepped up operations across the Sankera corridor.
In November, troops raided a major hideout in Mbagen community, Ukum LGA, killing one suspect while the gang leader escaped.