Troops repel terrorist attacks, foil cattle rustling operations in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled several cattle rustling attempts and neutralised suspected terrorists during a series of security operations in Benue State.

The operations were carried out across different communities in the state as part of ongoing efforts by the joint military task force to tackle criminal activities and protect rural populations.

According to a statement issued in Makurdi by the acting media information officer of the task force, Ahmad Zubairu, troops acting on intelligence and routine patrols successfully intercepted suspected rustlers and engaged armed criminals in separate encounters.

One of the incidents occurred on March 3 when troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion IX operating under OPWS conducted a patrol around Obagaji in Agatu Local Government Area.

The patrol followed credible intelligence suggesting that a group of suspected cattle rustlers was operating around the Omikwidi general area.

Security personnel quickly mobilised towards the Ologba–Egba road and positioned themselves in an ambush to intercept the suspects.

During the operation, the troops stopped a Sienna bus that was transporting three fully grown cows suspected of having been stolen.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Mamuda Hussein, 28, from Adagbo community; Sunday Moses, 35, from Obagaji village; and Teny Musa, 22, also from Obagaji.

Preliminary findings revealed that the animals were being transported in a vehicle bearing a fake Kogi State Government registration plate marked “Kogi 2LMA 35 LG”.

Investigators said the suspected gang leader, Mamuda Hussein, allegedly confessed that he had been invited to purchase the cattle by two individuals identified as Dahiru and Small. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.

Troops neutralise terrorists in ambush and repel attack

In another development, troops of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XV carried out an ambush operation on March 4 at Abuja village in Agatu Local Government Area following intelligence reports about the movement of suspected terrorists.

According to the military, troops made contact with the armed group during the operation, leading to an exchange of fire.

One of the suspects was neutralised while others reportedly fled the scene.

A search of the area later led to the recovery of a round of 7.62mm special ammunition from a bag belonging to the neutralised suspect.

NDLEA arrests ex-Lagos councillor over alleged drug trafficking

The following day, troops deployed to the same community reportedly came under attack by suspected terrorists.

However, soldiers responded quickly and repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat after another suspected terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.

Suspect arrested while fleeing with stolen cows

In a related development, OPWS troops operating under the maritime component in Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area, intercepted another suspected cattle rustler attempting to escape with stolen livestock.

Acting on intelligence, the troops moved to the area and discovered suspects trying to flee by boat with two cows believed to have been stolen.

Security personnel fired warning shots, forcing the suspects to stop.

One suspect was arrested during the operation, while the boat and recovered livestock were taken into custody for further investigation.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, reassured residents of Benue and neighbouring states that security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities in the region.