Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered two AK-47 rifles and other items after engaging suspected armed criminals in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The troops were deployed to the area on Monday following intelligence that suspected criminals posing as herders had entered Guma from neighbouring Nasarawa State, according to the military.

In a statement issued on Monday, the acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops came under attack shortly after arriving at the location.

He said the soldiers returned fire, forcing the armed men to retreat, while no casualties were recorded among the troops.

A subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and four empty magazines.

The troops also recovered eight calves, three mobile phones, a National Identification Number document belonging to one Umar Yusuf and N20.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their response and urged them to maintain intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements in the area.

Gara also called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the authorities.

The operation occurred a day after troops of the same task force rescued two kidnap victims along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.

The victims were rescued after troops encountered suspected kidnappers during a patrol on the road on October 24. The suspects reportedly fled following an exchange of gunfire, leaving the captives behind.

One of the rescued victims, 36-year-old Mngunengen Ihom, sustained machete injuries and was subsequently taken to Naka General Hospital for medical treatment.

The latest operations are part of ongoing military efforts to tackle armed groups, kidnapping and other criminal activities across Benue State.