Troops Neutralize Suspected Armed Herder, Recover AK-47 in Benue Community Attack

Troops Neutralize Suspected Armed Herder, Recover AK-47 in Benue Community Attack

Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, working with the Nigeria Police Force, successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed herders in Benue State, killing one assailant and recovering a weapon along with ammunition.

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders on Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which took place on Monday, August 10, 2026, successfully repelled the assault on the community.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops responded to a distress call reporting an ongoing attack on Azege Community. Upon receiving the alert, the security forces swiftly mobilised to the area to confront the threat and restore security. On arrival, the troops made contact with the armed criminals and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

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The statement explained that the assailants were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and subsequently fled in disarray. The troops immediately pursued the fleeing attackers and later discovered that one suspected armed herder had been neutralised during the encounter. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, and one Nokia mobile phone.

Lieutenant Zubairu confirmed that the recovered items have been secured, while the remains of the neutralised suspect were evacuated by the police. He added that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the group who managed to escape from the scene. The Joint Task Force commended the troops for their tactical resilience and praised the Nigerian Police Force for its effective cooperation during the operation.

This operation occurred amid heightened security concerns across the state, with other reports confirming that suspected armed herders targeted a police checkpoint in Ayilamo, also within Logo Local Government Area, killing a police inspector before security forces intervened. The OPWS has advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities within their communities to security agencies. The military has also reiterated its commitment to restoring peace in Benue State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and other criminal activities across its areas of operation.