Troops Kill Two Bandits In Benue Ambush — Army

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have killed two suspected armed bandits during a surprise ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road in Benue State.

The operation, which took place on Monday, was carried out by soldiers of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion IX deployed under the ongoing military offensive in the North Central region.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke.

According to the statement, the troops were conducting a routine fighting patrol around Naka when they received credible intelligence about the movement of suspected armed bandits.

“Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and made contact with the criminals,” the military said.

During the brief encounter, three armed men were sighted, leading to a short gunfight.

“Two were neutralised, while the third escaped with a gunshot wound,” the statement added.

The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene of the confrontation.

The military said follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend the third suspect and eliminate remaining threats along the route.

Reacting to the success of the operation, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their swift and professional response.

“The success reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of the troops,” Gara said.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining its operational momentum and enhancing security across Benue and surrounding areas.