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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders at Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State.
A statement signed by the acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, said the troops, on August 10, 2026, received a distress call reporting an attack on Azege Community.
In response, troops swiftly mobilised to the area to confront the threat and restore security. It said that, “On arrival, the troops made contact with the armed criminals and engaged them in a gunfight. As a result, the assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and fled in disarray.
“Troops immediately pursued the fleeing attackers and subsequently discovered one armed herder neutralized during the encounter.”
Items recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one Nokia mobile phone.
Zubairu said the recovered items have been secured, while the remains of the neutralized assailant was evacuated by the Police. He said efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the group who fled the scene. The Joint Task Force OPWS commended the troops for their tactical resilience and praised the Nigerian Police Force for its effective cooperation.
The troops advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities within their communities to security agencies.
