Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in Tse Adudu, Benue State, during a clearance patrol aimed at dislodging criminal elements suspected of terrorising farming communities.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, was launched following credible intelligence from residents about illegal cattle grazing and destruction of crops in Akpiti village, located in the Gbanga/Tongo council ward.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, the troops advanced swiftly on motorcycles into the farm settlement.
Upon spotting the advancing soldiers, the suspected armed herdsmen reportedly fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning their cattle.
DAILY POST gathered that a subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, all carefully wrapped and hidden in a makeshift hut.
Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism.
He also praised residents for providing timely and accurate information, stressing that such collaboration is vital for sustained peace and security in the region.
Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to restoring peace, promoting food security, and ensuring socio-economic stability in Benue and across the joint operations area.
He urged the public to continue sharing actionable intelligence with security agencies.
