Nigerian troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have destroyed several hideouts belonging to notorious armed gangs around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, carried out by the 72 Special Forces Battalion in partnership with other security agencies, targeted camps linked to the wanted bandit leader known as Konyo Mbise.
It was part of a wider military effort to flush out criminal elements ahead of the farming season.
“In a recent raid operation conducted on May 18, 2025, troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS, in close synergy with other security agencies, captured and destroyed identified bandit camps linked to a bandit leader in Konyo Gbise around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA,” the Nigerian Army said in a statement.
During the raid, troops recovered a cache of arms and other items, including: one submachine gun (SMG) with a magazine, a locally fabricated rifle, 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, parts of dismantled firearms, three POS machines, two power generators, a mobile phone, electrical cables, a painting machine, seven solar panels, a half bag of what is believed to be cannabis, and several portraits of bandit leaders.
Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery and success. He urged them not to relent, saying efforts must continue to root out those threatening peace in Benue.
He also appealed to residents to play their part by volunteering useful information to help security agencies stay ahead of criminals.
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