𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗞‑47 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗵!

𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗞‑47 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗵!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion IX operating under the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully neutralised two suspected armed bandits and recovered an AK‑47 rifle during a tactical ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi Road in Benue State.

According to a statement released by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, the operation was conducted on Monday, January 26, 2026, following credible intelligence regarding the movement of armed bandits along the busy highway. Troops deployed around Naka were on routine fighting patrol when they laid an ambush along the identified route and made contact with the criminals.

During the encounter, soldiers engaged the suspects, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the bandits, while a third is reported to have escaped with gunshot wounds. In the aftermath of the clash, troops recovered one AK‑47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition at the scene.

Following the successful operation, military sources say troops have intensified aggressive patrols in the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and further enhance security along the major route.

The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commented that the outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence‑led operations and the professionalism of the troops involved. He reiterated the task force’s commitment to sustaining operational momentum and ongoing efforts to improve security across the Joint Operations Area.

Authorities have also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against armed criminal networks in the region.

Citations:

1. New Telegraph: https://newtelegraphng.com/neutralise-2-suspected-armed-bandits-in-benue-recover-automatic-weapons/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. TVC News: https://www.tvcnews.tv/troops-neutralise-two-armed-bandits-recover-ak-47-rifle-in-benue/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Punch: https://punchng.com/soldiers-kill-two-bandits-recover-ak-47-in-benue-ambush/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Daily Post: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/26/troops-kill-two-suspected-bandits-in-gun-battle-on-naka-makurdi-road/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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