Yuletide: Troops Foil Ambush, Eliminate 3 Armed Militias in Benue Operations
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intensified security operations ahead of the Yuletide season, foiling an ambush and dismantling a criminal gang notorious for blocking the Ukum junction in Benue State.
The operation, conducted on 11 December 2025, followed actionable intelligence and involved a coordinated team comprising OPWS forces, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Zaki-Biam Division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard. The security team stormed the route linking Aturuku, Wembe, and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area, where armed criminals had mounted an illegal roadblock to dispossess unsuspecting travellers.
According to security sources, the troops engaged the gang in a fierce encounter, neutralising three suspects while others escaped into surrounding bushes. Two motorcycles allegedly used by the criminals were recovered as troops launched a follow-up search to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that the neutralised suspects were part of a notorious network linked to recurring kidnappings and violent attacks across Ukum LGA. Their operations were also suspected to be connected to recent abductions around the busy Zaki-Biam yam market. Community members later identified two of the deceased as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, while the third was said to be from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council Ward. Security sources further linked the group to a notorious bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the synergy among the security agencies involved. He praised the professionalism and bravery displayed by the troops and urged them to sustain the momentum, deepen intelligence-driven operations, and reinforce security presence in vulnerable communities.
General Gara reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to protecting lives, supporting civil authority, and restoring lasting peace across its Joint Operations Area as the festive season approaches.
By PRNigeria
