Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested three suspected criminals in possession of arms in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, November 5, by troops on routine patrol along the Otukpo–Enugu Road at the Amoda axis of the local government.
“The suspects, identified as John Isaac (22 years), Baba Emmanuel (17 years), and Sunday Thomas (19 years), all residents of Otukpo Local Government Area, were stopped for a search based on intelligence while riding a motorcycle.
“Sequel to the search, the troops recovered three mobile phones and the sum of N20,200 from the suspects,” the statement read partly.
Zubairu added that preliminary investigation indicated the suspects were on their way to carry out a criminal act before being intercepted by the vigilant troops.
He said the suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The OPWS spokesperson also quoted the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, as commending the troops for their professionalism and proactive response in averting a potential security threat.
Gara urged the troops to sustain the momentum of operations and intensify surveillance to ensure the safety of farmers and rural dwellers, especially during the ongoing harvest season.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to maintaining peace and stability across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, assuring residents of the military’s unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property.
The arrest came barely days after an attack on a community in Ohimini LGA, where four people were reportedly killed.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the local government, Adole Gabriel, said, “Two farmers were killed on Monday and another two on Tuesday afternoon.”
