Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised a criminal and injured many others in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area in Benue.

The acting media information officer, OPWS Headquarters, Makurdi, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said this in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.

Mr Zubairu said the troops made contact with the criminal elements in Ayilamo and successfully neutralised one criminal and injured several others, while others fled.

He stated that after the operation, which took place on October 15, they recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 14 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

He said the troops also maintained domination of the general area after the operation, conducting patrols to reassure and bolster the confidence of local communities.

Mr Zubairu disclosed that troops of Sub-Sector 2 deployed at Maraba Udege community in Nasarawa LGA, Nasarawa State, acting on information, recovered a pistol from one Ramanu Elizabeth from Maraba Market on October 15.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the troops apprehended the suspect, identified as Mr Ramanu Elizabeth, and recovered a locally fabricated pistol from him.

“The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.

This spokesperson said the force commander, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and tactical proficiency.

Mr Gara urged the troops to maintain the tempo of operations to ensure a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens to engage in their legitimate enterprises.

(NAN)