Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) operating in Nasarawa, Benue, and Taraba States have killed three criminals in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The deceased reportedly belonged to a notorious syndicate responsible for widespread insecurity, including repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA.
This was disclosed in a statement by the acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and shared with journalists on Friday. The statement noted that the troops, working in coordination with other security operatives, successfully foiled an ambush set up by the criminals.
The statement read partly, “The security team moved swiftly to confront a criminal group that had erected an illegal roadblock along the route connecting Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
“On making contact with the criminals, the troops engaged them decisively, resulting in the killing of three criminals, while others fled into nearby bushes.”
Lt. Zubairu added: “Subsequent findings revealed that the three killed individuals belonged to a notorious syndicate responsible for widespread insecurity, including repeated kidnappings across Ukum LGA.
“Their activities are believed to be connected to recent abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam yam market vicinity.”
He further stated that the deceased suspects, Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe, both from Ugbaam Council Ward, and the third from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council, were later identified by local community members.
The statement read partly, “Sources have also linked the group to a notorious bandit kingpin, who is known to operate within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.”
Lt. Zubairu said that two motorcycles were recovered from the criminals while the search continues for those who escaped.
The OPWS Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, praised the cooperation among the security personnel and lauded their courage, discipline, and professional conduct during the operation.
He also urged the troops to maintain operational momentum, expand intelligence-led operations, and strengthen security in high-risk communities.
General Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s unwavering commitment to defending lives, supporting civil authority, and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.
OPWS troops have recently been curbing bandit and criminal activity in the Sankera axis, a known hotspot of criminality in the state.
In November, the troops carried out a surprise raid on the hideout of a notorious armed bandit in Mbagen Community, Ukum LGA, killing one gang member while the leader narrowly escaped.
