TROOPS EVICT ARMED HERDERS, SEIZE RIFLE IN BENUE

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Personnel of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have expelled armed herders and seized an automatic firearm in Benue.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, conveyed this information in a statement provided to journalists on Friday in Makurdi.

Zubairu stated that on Wednesday, the troops, during their routine farm patrol at Mbakyior Outpost and Agidi Community, Gwer East Local Government Area, recovered an AK-47 rifle with a mounted magazine.

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He stated that the firearm was retrieved at a suspected crossing location allegedly utilized by armed herders within the Mbakyior community.

“Upon observing the advancing forces, the armed herders began to retreat and discharged their weapons in a bid to resist capture.

“In a rapid and coordinated reaction, OPWS troops returned fire, compelling the hostile parties to withdraw and vacate the vicinity.

“During a subsequent examination of the site, an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which had been abandoned by the fleeing armed herders, were recovered,” he remarked.

The statement further indicated that security forces had persisted in patrolling the area to deter further incursions, bolster civilian assurance, and promote the continuation of socio-economic activities in the region.

The statement also noted that the Force Commander of OPWS, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, had praised the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and tactical discipline throughout the confrontation.

Gara urged them to remain vigilant, proactive, and responsive to actionable intelligence supplied by local communities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that peace and security prevailed not only in Benue but also in Taraba and Nasarawa State.