Nigerian Army Troops Under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Have Dislodged Armed Herders and seized an automatic rifles in Benue State.
According to a statement released on Friday in Makurdi by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, the operation took place on Wednesday, August 13, during a routine patrol around the Mbakyior Outpost and Agidi Community in Gwer East Local Government Area.
During the patrol, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle fitted with a magazine and other ammunition.
He said they recovered the rifle at a suspected crossing point reportedly used by armed herders at Mbakyior community.
“Upon sighting the advancing troops, the armed herders started to flee and opened fire in an attempt to resist interception.
“In a swift and coordinated response, OPWS troops returned fire, forcing the hostile elements to disengage and flee the area.
“During subsequent searches of the scene, an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned by the fleeing armed herders were recovered,” he said.
The statement further stated that security forces had continued to patrol the area to deter further incursions, reinforce civilian confidence, and allow residents to continue with their socio-economic activities in the area.
The statement also stated that the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, had commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and tactical discipline during the engagement.
Gara urged them to remain alert, proactive, and responsive to actionable intelligence provided by local communities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that peace and security prevailed not only in Benue but also in Taraba and Nasarawa states.
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