By ZAKAA LAZARUS.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in its continued efforts to dismantle all criminal elements in its Area of Operation, have maintained onslaught against bandits and associated crimes in order to ensure a successful farming season in Benue state.
In a recent raid operations conducted on 18 May 2025, troops of 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS working in close synergy with other security agencies captured and destroyed identified bandit camps linked to a bandit leader in Konyo Gbise around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA.
The decisive operation conducted in Benue State, led to the capture of assorted weapons including one Sub Machine Gun (SMG) with Magazine, a locally fabricated Rifle with Magazine and 7.62MM Special Ammunition.
Other items captured are, a Rifle Butt, Rifle Barrel, 9Milimeter Ammunition, 3 POS Machines, 2 Generating sets, a Mobile Phone, Electrical Cables, a Painting Machine, 7 Solar Panels, half bag of suspected cannabis sativa substance (Indian hemp), and different portraits of bandit leaders.
Meanwhile, the Commander JTF OPWS Major General Moses Gara, has charged the troops to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements that are threatening peace and security in the state.
He also called on the good people of Benue to continue to support military operations by providing credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to the security agencies.
