Soldiers Eliminate Bandit Terrorists In Benue State

Nigerian Military troops have killed four of the bandits operating in Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) launched an attack on Tuesday after encountering the terrorists during which the bandits fell to the superior firepower of the soldiers.

At least four of the bandits were killed while many others were injured while trying to escape as the troops gave a hot chase.

The development was confirmed by the Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Alfred Atera, who added that the leader of the bandits, identified as Terna Gide, had threatened to carry out reprisal attacks on some villages following the killing of his men.

Atera said, “Following attack on Tse-Keji camp yesterday (Tuesday) by the men of OPWS during which four of the bandits were eliminated, their camp was destroyed and charms were packed, Terna Gide is threatening to take reprisal.

“As of this morning (Wednesday), he (Terna) called and issued lots of threat that he is going to do more than what was destroyed in his camp. He called one of the volunteer guards telephone number to issue the threat.”

A military source who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed the killing of the bandits by the troops during a clearance operation.

The source added that after the initial gun battle, the troops also pursued the bandits who fled in disarray while one of their camps was discovered and destroyed.

Items including cash, weapons, and mobile phones were recovered during the operation.

The source said, “Yesterday (Tuesday), our troop stationed in Gbise under Kastina-Ala were doing their normal clearance tour until they came across bandits at Tse – Keji, there was exchange of fire but our troops overpowered them.

“So, the armed bandits fled into the bush in disarray but our troops gave them a hot pursuit and four bandits were neutralised. A search was conducted in the general area and troops burnt down their camp.

“We were able to recover the following items belonging to the bandits; 9 rounds of 7.6mm special, one barrel of dane gun, two motorcycles, handsets, bags of Indian hemps and the sum and of N57,390 and large assorted charms. The remnants are on the run but we are on top of our game.”