Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a notorious bandits’ enclave in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the troops recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and operational equipment during a coordinated security operation.
THE raid was executed by Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force under Operation Whirl Stroke, following actionable intelligence on the movements and activities of a wanted bandit leader believed to be operating from Mtan village in Utange Council Ward.
Security sources said the hideout had long served as a base for launching attacks, planning kidnappings, and coordinating armed raids on surrounding communities.
Acting Media Information Officer at the Joint Task Force headquarters, Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday that troops stormed the location in the early hours after carefully tracking the group’s movements.
Upon arrival, the soldiers encountered armed resistance, leading to a gun duel that forced the suspects to flee into nearby forests, abandoning their camp.
After securing the area, troops carried out a thorough sweep of the hideout, leading to the recovery of two motorcycles, eight rifle magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition, several links of 7.62mm NATO rounds, and seven spent 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings. A red Toyota vehicle discovered at the site was also disabled to prevent its future use for criminal operations.
Military authorities said the recovered items indicate that the group possessed significant firepower and logistical capacity, enabling them to carry out sustained attacks across parts of Benue and neighbouring states.
Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gara, applauded the intelligence units for providing timely and reliable information that made the operation possible. He also commended the troops for their courage, discipline, and professionalism in confronting heavily armed criminals under difficult terrain.
Gara stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between security agencies and host communities, urging residents to continue sharing credible information that could help track criminal hideouts, movements, and supply routes. He noted that such collaboration remains critical to dismantling terror networks, restoring peace, and safeguarding lives and property across the region.
The operation forms part of ongoing military efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to curb banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal violence in Benue and surrounding states.
