Makurdi: Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully dislodged armed herders and recovered an automatic rifle in Benue.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, released a statement revealing that the incident occurred on Wednesday. During a routine farm patrol at Mbakyior Outpost and Agidi Community in the Gwer East Local Government Area, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with a mounted magazine at a suspected crossing point reportedly used by the armed herders in the Mbakyior community.
Zubairu explained that upon sighting the advancing troops, the armed herders began to flee and opened fire in an attempt to resist interception. In a swift and coordinated response, the OPWS troops returned fire, forcing the hostile elements to disengage and flee the area. During a subsequent search of the scene, an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered, abandoned by the fleeing armed herders.
The statement further noted that security forces have continued to patrol the area to deter further incursions, reinforce civilian confidence, and allow the continuation of socio-economic activities in the area. Additionally, the Force Commander of OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and tactical discipline during the engagement. Gara urged the troops to remain alert, proactive, and responsive to actionable intelligence provided by local communities.