Nigerian Army eliminates suspected kidnapper in Benue
Joint Task Force Kills Suspected Kidnapper in Benue State
Troops from the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a recent operation in Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint in Benue State, according to a statement issued Saturday.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, reported that the operation was prompted by credible intelligence regarding suspected kidnappers’ activities in the area.
“Upon arrival at the scene, troops engaged the armed suspects in a fierce gun battle. One of the suspected criminals was killed during the exchange, and troops recovered one AK-47 rifle along with two empty magazines,” Zubairu stated.
Preliminary information indicates that the deceased may have been part of a group responsible for an attack on commuters along the route on July 1, during which a former Secretary to the Benue State Government suffered gunshot injuries.
Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of OPWS, praised the troops for their courage and professionalism. He urged them to continue aggressive patrols and maintain pressure on criminal elements in the operational area.
Gara emphasized the importance of cooperation among security agencies, highlighting that intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration are vital for restoring peace and security in the region. He reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to protect lives and property and encouraged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received would be treated confidentially and acted upon swiftly.