Troops Foil Armed Herders’ Attack, Recover AK-47 in Benue

By Babangida Abdullahi Gusau

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders in Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The troops, on Monday, August 10, responded to a distress call reporting an attack on the community and swiftly mobilised to the area.

According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle on arrival.

He said the assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and fled into the surrounding area.

The troops pursued the fleeing attackers and recovered the body of one suspected armed herder who was killed during the encounter.

Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a Nokia mobile phone.

The statement said the recovered items had been secured, while the remains of the suspected attacker were evacuated by the police.

It added that efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the group who escaped during the encounter.

The Joint Task Force commended the troops for their resilience and the police for their cooperation during the operation.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.