By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The military high command says, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke on 22nd April 2020, at about 4:30 pm has raided the camp of the armed militia located at Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum LGA, Benue state.
The troops of Operation Whirl Stroke is made up of Sector 2 deployed at Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue state for internal security and those of Sector 4 drawn from parts of Taraba state jointly carried out the operation.
Maj. Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMOs),Defence headquarters, in a statement made available to Enugu Reporters said,three (3) armed gangsters were shot down by the troops, while dozens of sophisticated weapons recovered in the encounter.
Gen. Enenche explained that sequel to a timely and credible information received by the troops on the activities of Tiv armed militia operating around the border areas of Benue and Taraba states, the troops swiftly responded and raided their camp.
According to him, on spotting the area, the armed militia immediately sighted the troops and opened a barrage of fire on the troops.
He added that the Special Forces troops responded swiftly and neutralized three (3) gang members while others abandoned their position and weapons and fled into the bush with gunshot wounds, while no single casualty was been recorded on the troops.
Enugu reporters have gathered that large cache of arms, ammunition and other items were recovered by the troops, including, One 81mm Mortar gun, Five 60mm Commando Mortar gun, Seven locally fabricated Mortar tubes guns,Three SMG rifles, Three Double Barrel rifles,Two locally made rifles, One G3 rifle, One locally made pistol, Five AK 47 magazines.
Others were,166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, One car battery, Fifteen rounds of locally made ammunition, Two bags of gun powder, Nine pairs of Camouflage uniforms, One generator, Three motorcycles, One cellular hand set, charms and assorted hard drugs.
The Coordinator therefore reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in restoring peace in all parts of the country.
He also enjoined members of the public to continue to provide credible information which will assist the military to rid the country of criminal elements.
