By Anthony Isaac, Abuja
Amid rising attacks by herdsmen and bandits across the country, troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with other security agencies, have raided and dismantled several bandit camps linked to a notorious leader in Konyo Gbise, near Akwaza in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements within the OPWS area of responsibility and to ensure a peaceful farming season in Benue State.
The statement noted: “In a recent raid conducted on May 18, 2025, troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion under OPWS, operating in close synergy with other security agencies, stormed and destroyed camps associated with a known bandit leader in Konyo Gbise, around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA.
“The decisive operation led to the recovery of assorted weapons, including one Submachine Gun (SMG) with magazine, a locally fabricated rifle with magazine, and 7.62mm special ammunition.
“Other items recovered include a rifle butt, rifle barrel, 9mm ammunition, three POS machines, two generating sets, and a mobile phone. Also seized were electrical cables, a painting machine, seven solar panels, half a bag of suspected cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), and various portraits of bandit leaders.”
