Troops of the Maritime Component of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have repelled suspected armed herders during a security operation in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, ammunition magazines, eight calves, mobile phones and other items.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
Zubairu said the operation was launched following intelligence reports that suspected criminals posing as herders had moved from neighbouring Nasarawa State into Guma.
He explained that the troops came under attack shortly after arriving at the identified location but successfully repelled the gunmen.
“On arrival at the location, the troops came under gunfire from the armed group. The troops responded effectively, repelled the attack and forced the assailants to flee. No casualties were recorded among the troops,” he stated.
The military spokesman added that a subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines for the rifles, eight calves and three mobile phones.
Other items recovered included a National Identification Number document belonging to one Umar Yusuf and ₦20 in cash.
Zubairu said the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their alertness, swift response and successful recovery of the items.
Gara urged personnel to strengthen engagement with local communities and maintain intelligence-driven operations to prevent criminal activities and improve security across the joint operations area.
The commander also commended members of the public for providing useful information to security agencies, noting the importance of community cooperation in tackling insecurity.
He called on residents to continue supporting security personnel by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.
The operation comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Benue State and other communities in the North-Central region, where authorities have sustained efforts to address armed attacks and other criminal activities.
