From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army said, as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and enhance security in Benue State, troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with local hunters, conducted a successful clearance operation around the Tatough general area,Makurdi Local Government.
The operation, which included a fighting patrol and the escort of bereaved family members to Tse-Ayele village for the burial of a deceased relative, saw troops clear several identified hotspots and key locations, including Mdoor, Anter, Tse-Gegu, Tse-Aka ajime, Tse-Agam, and Ndor villages.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 401 Special Forces Brigade/ Sector 1 OPWS, Captain Abdullahi Osabo, said
While advancing through Tse-Akaajime village, troops encountered armed bandits.
“A brief but intense firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of one bandit, while others fled in disarray, abandoning their positions. Items recovered from the scene included two Tecno mobile phones and three motorcycles, suspected to have been used in coordinating criminal activities.
“ In the aftermath of the encounter, troops destroyed and set ablaze all identified bandit camps in the area, effectively denying the criminals the ability to regroup or reestablish their presence.
“In a related development, troops deployed at Tatough have continued to conduct aggressive foot and perimeter patrols, maintaining a strong security posture and reassuring residents of their safety.”
Commending the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and dedication to duty, the acting Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 OPWS, Colonel KO Bukoye, urged them to remain vigilant and sustain the operational momentum in the collective effort to rid Benue State of criminal elements.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services(DSS), have rescued a lecturer at Taraba State University, Joshua Saleh.
The lecturer was kidnapped by suspected criminals on July 31,2025, along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road in Wukari Local Government ,Taraba State.
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, in a statement, said
acting on credible and actionable intelligence, the troops, alongside DSS operatives, launched a targeted search and rescue operation across key locations, including: Kente, Sondi 1 and 2, Yaku, and the Warawa general area.
During the operation, Muhammad, said the troops encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and pressure, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning the victim, Saleh who was rescued unharmed.
Commending the troops for their gallantry, the Commander 6 Brigade NA/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, lauded their swift response, professionalism, precision, and effective coordination with other security agencies in carrying out the rescue operation.
He assured the public of the Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring lasting peace and security in the state.
Uwa also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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