Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) operating across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States have killed three suspected criminals during a security operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The army said the suspects were members of a notorious criminal syndicate responsible for persistent insecurity and repeated kidnapping incidents within Ukum LGA and surrounding communities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to journalists. According to the statement, the troops acted in collaboration with other security agencies to foil an ambush mounted by the criminals.
Lt. Zubairu explained that the operation was launched after the criminals erected an illegal roadblock along the route linking Aturuku, Wembe, and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward of Ukum LGA.
“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,” the statement read.
Upon making contact, the troops engaged the suspects, resulting in the death of three criminals, while others escaped into nearby bushes.
According to Lt. Zubairu, further investigation revealed that the neutralised suspects belonged to a criminal syndicate linked to multiple abduction cases reported around the Zaki-Biam yam market axis.
The suspects were later identified by members of the local community as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe, both from Ugbaam Council Ward, while the third suspect was said to be from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council Ward.
“Sources have also linked the group to a notorious bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area,” the statement added.
The army said two motorcycles were recovered from the scene, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the gang who fled during the encounter.
Commending the troops, the OPWS Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised the security personnel for their courage, discipline, and professionalism. He urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities.
General Gara reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to protecting lives, supporting civil authority, and restoring lasting peace across the joint operations area.
The military noted that operations have recently intensified in the Sankera axis, a region identified as a major hotspot for criminal and bandit activities in Benue State.