Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have stormed a bandits’ camp in the Aterayange area of Ukum Local Government, Benue State, killing one suspect and recovering several firearms.
The operation, carried out by Sector 1 troops between Monday night and early Tuesday, followed credible intelligence on the location of a notorious gang leader known as “Full Fire.”
Sources said the troops, led by Major M. Babalola under Sub-Sector 1A, engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel around 3:45 a.m.
While the gang leader reportedly escaped with injuries, one of his fighters was gunned down during the exchange.
Recovered weapons include two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, a G3 magazine, a hand grenade, two Baofeng radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the raid and described it as “a well-coordinated move that disrupted the operations of one of the most violent criminal cells in the axis.”
The military has vowed to sustain the pressure until all remnants of the gang are apprehended.