Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have killed a suspected bandit during a gun battle along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation took place on Wednesday when troops from Sector 1, while conducting a routine patrol in the area, reportedly encountered two armed men riding a motorcycle.
According to the Acting Media Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the soldiers engaged the suspects after confirming their identities, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
He said, “During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while the second suspect fled the scene when subdued by superior firepower.”
Zubairu said the troops subsequently searched and cleared the surrounding area to ensure the fleeing suspect did not constitute an immediate danger to nearby communities.
The operation also led to the recovery of several weapons and ammunition.
Items recovered included a pistol and magazine, an AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds and one PKT round.
The troops also recovered a Tecno mobile phone and assorted charms.
The military urged residents to remain alert and support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious movements and criminal activities.
Zubairu said timely information from members of the public was essential to enabling security personnel respond quickly to emerging threats.
He added that the task force would sustain patrols and intelligence-led operations across its areas of responsibility in a bid to disrupt criminal networks and prevent them from threatening residents.
The military said its operations would remain focused on restoring and maintaining peace and security in affected communities.
