Troops of the Joint Task Force  Operation Whirl Stroke said it dislodged suspected terrorists in a notorious terrorist hideout in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue.

A statement on Monday by OPWS’s spokesman, Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops recovered a cache of ammunition and other logistics items of the suspected terrorists during a raid operation.

It explained that troops from Sector 1, Operation OPWS, received information that the criminal kingpin and his associates were operating from a hideout at Mtan Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.

The statement said the troops immediately advanced to the location and made contact with the suspected armed terrorists, adding that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the terrorists to flee their enclave.

“Troops recovered two motorcycles believed to belong to the suspected notorious terrorists, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition,and  44 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

”The troops also recovered links of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and seven empty 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings, while a red Toyota vehicle discovered at the scene was demobilised to prevent its further use for criminal activities,” it said.

The statement added that the force commander, Moses Gera, commended the intelligence team for their relentless efforts in providing timely information that enabled the successful operation.

Mr Gera also lauded the troops for their resilience, professionalism and tactical dexterity in confronting the criminal elements.

He reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration between security forces and local communities, and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

(NAN)