Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have killed three suspected bandits and recovered two motorcycles in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Makurdi.
He said the operation, which was supported by the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Community Protection Guards, took place on Thursday.
“Following intelligence reports, the team confronted the criminal group at their illegal roadblock along the road connecting Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo council ward.
“On making contact with the criminals, the troops engaged them decisively, resulting in the neutralisation of three criminals, while others fled into nearby bushes.
“In the course of the operation, two motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered, and a heightened search effort is currently under way to locate and apprehend those who fled.
“Subsequent findings revealed that the three neutralised individuals belonged to a notorious syndicate responsible for widespread insecurity, including repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA.
“Their activities are believed to be connected to recent abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam Yam Market vicinity,” Zubairu stated.