By Stella Odueme
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation WHIRL STROKE, have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers to bandits and two suspected armed robbers in separate operations in Benue State.
The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing criminal activities across the state.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, on Thursday, in the first operation, troops of Sector 1 arrested two suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers in Abaji Community following intelligence reports about their alleged involvement in providing support to a bandit kingpin operating across River Yooyo in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
The suspects were identified as Tertser Terngu, 24, and Aondongu Tersoo, 15, both from Tersoo Village.
The military said the suspects were in custody for investigation and subsequent processing by the appropriate authorities.
In a separate incident, troops on fighting patrol received information at about 2:16pm concerning an armed robbery at Jootar Village along the Kyado–Wukari Road in Ukum Local Government Area.
Upon arrival, the troops discovered that operatives of the Volunteer Guards had already apprehended two suspected armed robbers.
Items recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol, seven rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition and a pair of scissors.
The Force Commander of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their efforts.
He urged them to sustain the operational tempo, remain vigilant and continue to leverage timely intelligence to tackle criminal activities across the Joint Operations Area.