Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspects and recovered an AK-47 and ammunition in Benue.

Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer for Headquarters OPWS, made the disclosure in a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Makurdi.

Mr Zubairu said that the suspects were arrested on 26th March in Agasha, Guma Local Government, during their pre-wet season operation.

The spokesperson stated that the troops, who acted on intelligence, swiftly cordoned the area and arrested Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, as well as Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos, Plateau.

“Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, twenty-seven rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms.

“The suspects are in troops’ custody for preliminary investigation and subsequent prosecution by the appropriate authorities,” he said.

He said the troops have continued to maintain an aggressive operational posture across the area, dominating the environment to deny criminal elements freedom of action and to enhance security ahead of the farming season.

Mr Zubairu added that OPWS Commander, Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and continued sacrifice in safeguarding law-abiding citizens in their areas of responsibility. 

(NAN)