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From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) deployed at various communities in Benue State, have reportedly provided escort, security to farmers, killing suspected criminals and recovered arms.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The Commander said troops of OPWS deployed at Ayilamo outpost acted swiftly to a distress call that alleged armed herders firing sporadically at Tse Anema Village, Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government (LG), of Benue State.
He stated that on sighting the troops, the suspects fled but soldiers quickly dominated the general area through aggressive patrols to restore confidence among the locals.
“Continuing their clearance operations, the troops proceeded to Azege village in the same Council Ward, where they intercepted two suspected criminals uprooting and stealing yams from a farmland.
“On sighting the troops, the suspects fled into the bush.
In hot pursuit, the soldiers discovered that another farmland of soybeans was ravaged by cattle.
“Troops maintained robust patrols to prevent further destruction and to provide farmers with a secure environment to carry out their farming activities.”
In a related development, following credible intelligence, troops of the Defence Special Operations Force (DSOF) deployed at Afia Market, Ukum LGA, responded to reports of alleged armed criminals robbing traders.
“On making contact, the troops engaged the suspects killing one criminal.
“In the process, the soldiers recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Gara, who commended the troops for their swift and professional response, stressed that every encounter with armed elements must be followed with recovery of weapons to prevent such arms from being used against innocent citizens in the future.
He further reaffirmed that Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states remain under OPWS responsibility and must be secured at all times from violent criminals.
