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In a decisive pre-dawn strike, troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have raided a bandits’ hideout in the Aterayange general area of Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, neutralizing one suspected bandit and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition. The operation, carried out between Monday night and early Tuesday, marks another bold move in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the region.
According to sources in Zagazola, the raid was launched by troops of Sub-Sector 1A under the command of Maj. M. Babalola, acting on credible intelligence about the location of a notorious bandit leader known as Full Fire. The soldiers stormed the camp at approximately 3:45 a.m., engaging the armed group in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Though Full Fire managed to escape during the chaos, one of his associates was gunned down. The troops seized a significant haul of weapons and equipment, including two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, five AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, one hand grenade, two Baofeng radios, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one motorcycle used by the gang for mobility.
Sources confirmed that exploitation of the area was still ongoing, with troops maintaining high morale and operational efficiency. The recovered items underscore the level of firepower in the hands of criminal elements terrorizing communities in Ukum and surrounding areas.
Operation Whirl Stroke, a joint military task force, continues to lead the charge against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. This latest success comes amid heightened security concerns in Benue, where armed groups have exploited remote terrains to launch attacks, displace residents, and disrupt farming activities.
While the escape of Full Fire remains a concern, the neutralization of one bandit and the seizure of weapons deal a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity. Local communities have expressed relief, with many calling for sustained military presence to prevent reprisals.
As OPWS intensifies its campaign, residents hope this operation signals a turning point in restoring peace to Ukum and the broader Benue North-East region. The fight is far from over, but every raid, every recovery, brings the state one step closer to lasting security.
