Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled an ambush and dismantled a criminal gang blocking Ukum junction in Benue state.
The operation was carried out on 11 December in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Zaki-Biam division, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard.
The security team acted on intelligence that a criminal group had mounted an illegal roadblock along the route linking Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo council ward.
Intelligence indicated that the armed gang had been ambushing and robbing travellers who approached the junction.
The troops engaged the criminals on arrival and neutralised three suspects, while other members of the gang escaped into nearby bushes.
Two motorcycles used by the suspects were recovered as security personnel have already launched a search operation to apprehend those who fled.
Findings showed that the neutralised individuals belonged to a syndicate responsible for repeated kidnappings and other attacks in Ukum local government area.
The syndicate is believed to be linked to recent abductions around the Zaki-Biam yam market.
Community members identified the deceased suspects as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam council ward, and a third individual from Tse Kpeakaa in Kundav council ward.
Sources have also linked the gang to a notorious bandit leader operating in the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala local government area.
Moses Gara, force commander of OPWS, commended the synergy among security personnel during the operation.
Gara praised the troops for their courage, discipline and professionalism, even as he urged them to sustain the tempo of operations and deepen intelligence-led activities across vulnerable communities.
Gara reaffirmed the commitment of OPWS to protecting lives, supporting civil authority and restoring peace in the joint operations area.
