Soldiers Kill 2 Suspected Bandits in Benue 

Soldiers Kill 2 Suspected Bandits in Benue

Nigerian troops under Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized two suspected bandits on Monday along the Naka-Ahume-Makurdi road in Benue State.

The intervention followed distress calls from locals who spotted the armed men attempting to block the highway.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops from the Naka base launched a patrol to secure the flashpoint area. Upon arrival, the soldiers engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle to protect commuters and nearby residents.

Two suspects were killed during the exchange, while a third escaped into the bush with gunshot wounds. Increased military presence has recently encouraged motorists to return to this route, which was previously abandoned due to frequent kidnappings.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, confirmed the operation’s success. He noted that the military’s swift response effectively disrupted the suspects’ plans to attack unsuspecting travelers.

The proactive ambush was hailed as a vital move in maintaining regional peace. Military officials emphasized that the tactical deployment prevented potential harm to the Ahume community and road users.

Detailing the encounter, Lieutenant Zubairu stated “Two suspected armed bandits were neutralised during a snap ambush operation conducted on 26 January 2026 along the Naka–Ahume-Makurdi road in Benue State. Consequently, troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and made contact with the criminals. During the encounter, three suspected armed bandits were sighted. Two were neutralised, while the third escaped.”