Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have thwarted an ambush and dismantled a criminal gang notorious for blocking roads and attacking travellers in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Acting on credible intelligence, OPWS operatives, working in tandem with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard, launched a coordinated operation on December 11, 2025, targeting an illegal roadblock mounted along the Aturuku Wembe Ayati axis in Borkyo Council Ward.
The operation was detailed in a statement issued by the Ag. Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt. Zubairu Zubairu.
He said the armed gang had been ambushing and dispossessing innocent travellers who unknowingly approached the blocked junction.
“On making contact with the criminals, the troops engaged them decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of three criminals, while others fled into nearby bushes.
“In the course of the operation, two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered, and a heightened search effort is currently under way to locate and apprehend those who fled,” he said.
Lt. Zubairu noted that investigations confirmed the slain suspects were part of a dreaded syndicate behind recurring insecurity and multiple kidnapping incidents across Ukum LGA, particularly around the Zaki-Biam yam market corridor.
According to him, residents later identified the neutralised suspects as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, and a third suspect from Tse Kpeakaa in Kundav Council Ward.
Security sources have also linked the gang to a notorious bandit kingpin operating in the Shitile axis of neighbouring Katsina-Ala LGA, heightening concerns about expanding criminal networks in the region.
Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, praised the seamless collaboration among security agencies and commended the troops for their bravery, discipline and professionalism during the mission.
He urged them to sustain the tempo, intensify intelligence-driven operations and expand security presence in vulnerable communities.
Gen. Gara reiterated OPWS’s firm commitment to protecting lives, supporting civil authority, and restoring lasting peace within the Joint Operations Area.