Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected criminals bearing arms in Ohinmini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The arrest comes barely a few hours after the local government was attacked, during which four farmers were reportedly killed.

The killings were said to have occurred between Monday and Tuesday, while the arrest was effected on Wednesday.

The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

Zubairu said the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, 5 November, by troops on routine patrol along the Otukpo?Enugu Road at the Amoda axis in the local government area.

Part of the statement read: ?The suspects, identified as John Isaac (22 years), Baba Emmanuel (17 years), and Sunday Thomas (19 years), all residents of Otukpo Local Government Area, were stopped for a search based on intelligence while riding a motorcycle.

?Sequel to the search, the troops recovered three mobile phones and the sum of N20,200 from the suspects.?

He added that preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were on their way to carry out a criminal act before being intercepted by the vigilant troops.

The OPWS spokesperson noted that the suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

He further stated that the Force Commander of the operation, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professional conduct and robust response in countering the threat before it was actualised.

The Force Commander also urged the troops to maintain the momentum of their operations and intensify surveillance to ensure the safety of farmers and rural dwellers, especially as the harvest season progresses.

Major General Gara reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to sustaining peace and stability across its areas of operation ? Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States ? and assured residents of the military?s unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property. (Nigerian Tribune)

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