Troops Arrest Two Armed Suspects, Recover AK-47 in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted and arrested two suspected armed elements, 42-year-old Felix Agbako and Tsekaa Kyaan, also 42, during a routine patrol in Benue State on Wednesday, July 3.

Agbako, a farmer from Abiam Village in Gwer East Local Government Area, and Kyaan, a driver from Tse-Adam Village in Makurdi LGA were apprehended along key entry and exit routes into Makurdi, the state capital.

A cache of arms was recovered during the operation, including one AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine containing 7.62mm special ammunition. The weapons were found concealed inside a blue Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos FST 733 GL.

The joint security operation, led by Captain Miri-Dashe of the 401 Special Forces Brigade and supported by Captain Iyamba, was aimed at dismantling illegal checkpoints and disrupting the movement of criminal elements within the Area of Responsibility (AOR). Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Keystone, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also participated in the successful mission.

The arrested individuals and recovered weapons have been taken into custody for further investigation, pending directives from higher security authorities.

Reacting to the development, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the joint task force.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to eradicating criminal activity and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Benue State.