Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has stepped up security operations in Benue State after troops, working with police and local guards, broke up a criminal gang blocking a key rural route in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA).
It was said that the operation, carried out on 11 December, followed intelligence that armed men had mounted an illegal roadblock on the road linking Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, the gang had been stopping and robbing travellers who unknowingly drove into the ambush point.
Troops moved in swiftly and, on making contact, engaged the suspects and successfully killed three gang members, while others fled into nearby bushes, Zubairu said.
He added that security personnel also recovered two motorcycles believed to have been used by the group, and that search operation is continuing for those who escaped.
Notably, preliminary checks identified the three deceased as part of a syndicate linked to repeated kidnappings and violent incidents across Ukum LGA.
The statement also revealed that their activities are also suspected to be connected to recent abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam yam market.
Residents later identified the suspects as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe, both from Ugbaam Council Ward, and another individual from Tse Kpeakaa in Kundav Council Ward.
The group is believed to have ties to a known bandit figure operating in the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala.
Meanwhile, the OPWS Force Commander, Maj Gen Moses Gara, praised the coordination among security agencies and commended the troops for their professionalism during the operation.
Gara urged them to sustain intelligence-driven missions and maintain a strong presence in high-risk communities.
The General reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to safeguarding lives and supporting civil authorities as efforts continue to stabilise the Joint Operations Area.
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