Soldiers kill suspected bandit, recover weapons in Benue

Troops from the Joint Task Force's Operation Whirl Stroke killed a suspected bandit and seized weapons and ammunition in Benue State, according to a statement from Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu. The incident occurred on a patrol along the Gbise–Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on Wednesday, following an encounter with two suspected bandits riding a motorcycle.

After identifying the suspects, the troops engaged them, resulting in a shootout where one suspect was neutralized. The second suspect fled, and a search later uncovered a pistol, ammunition, and other items. The troops recovered a pistol, a magazine, an AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one 7.62mm NATO round, two 9mm rounds, and a PKT round, as well as a mobile phone and charms.

Lt. Zubairu called on the public to provide information to help security forces combat criminal networks and maintain community safety.