Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have killed a bandit during a clearance operation at Mararaba Gbagir in the Sankera axis of Benue State.

Acting Media Information Officer of the OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, in a statement on Thursday, said the operation was conducted on Tuesday following credible intelligence about the presence of suspected armed elements in the area.

Zubairu explained that the troops encountered the suspects during the operation and engaged them in a gun duel, which led to the death of one of the criminals, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He said Items recovered from the scene include six AK-47 magazines, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun, and a locally made pistol.

He added that charms and shrines used by the suspects were also destroyed.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, bravery, and precision during the operation.

He urged the troops to sustain the momentum in restoring peace and security in Benue and other parts of the joint operations area.

While reaffirming the commitment of OPWS to protecting lives and property, Gara called on the public to continue supporting the military with actionable intelligence. (Daily Trust)