Troops of OPWS neutralise gunman in Benue, arrest suspect,

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised an armed criminal after a deliberate ambush operation conducted at east of Ayilamo, within Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government,Benue State.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a. statement signed by the acting Media Information Officer

HQ JTF OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu. and made available to newsmen in Makurdi , yesterday.

He said the operation took place on October 15, 2025.

According to him, “The troops made contact with the criminal elements, where one of the armed criminal was successfully neutralised; other suspects fled the scene, reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.

“Following the initial contact, troops exploited the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 14 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

“Troops maintained domination of the general area after the operation, conducting patrols to reassure and bolster the confidence of local communities.”

In another development, troops of Sub-Sector 2, deployed at Maraba Udege Community, Nasarawa LG, Nasarawa State, received a distress call from Maraba Market on Wednesday, 15 October ,2025. The report indicated that a man in the market was in possession of a pistol.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops apprehended the suspect, Ramanu Elizabeth, and recovered a locally fabricated pistol from her.The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The Force Commander, commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and tactical proficiency.

He enjoined the troops to maintain the tempo of operations to ensure a safe and secured environment for law abiding citizens to engage in legitimate enterprise without fear.

The statement said investigation and follow-up operations were ongoing as troops would continue to work with local security stakeholders and community leaders to gather actionable intelligence, disrupt criminal networks, and restore normalcy in affected Joint Operations area.

The OPWS Commander reiterated the commitment of the troops to protecting innocent lives and sustaining pressure on those who perpetrate violence in the region.