Military forces successfully removed armed herders from a location in Benue, seizing a rifle in the process.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Makurdi, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, announced that OPWS troops had dislodged armed herders in Benue.

The incident occurred on Wednesday during a farm patrol in Mbakyior Outpost and Agidi Community, Gwer East Local Government Area. Upon sighting the advancing troops, the armed herders opened fire in an attempt to resist interception. However, OPWS troops returned fire, forcing the armed herders to disengage and flee the area.

During a subsequent search of the scene, an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered. The recovered items were abandoned by the fleeing armed herders.

Maj.-Gen. Gara commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and tactical discipline during the engagement. He also urged the troops to remain alert, proactive, and responsive to actionable intelligence provided by local communities.

Maj.-Gen. Gara reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that peace and security prevailed not only in Benue but also in Taraba and Nasarawa State. Security forces have continued to patrol the area to deter further incursions, reinforce civilian confidence, and continue with their socio-economic activities in the area.

No further details were given about the DHQ moving to harmonise court martial procedures in the article. Additionally, no new information about the Dangote and NUPENG face-off or redefining healthy living through wholesome diets was provided. The statement did not mention any new recovery of weapons or ammunition beyond the AK-47 rifle and ammunition recovered during the incident.

Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, made the statement. The statement was made available to newsmen on Friday in Makurdi, but no specific date for the incident was provided.

Military forces successfully removed armed herders from a location in Benue, seizing a rifle in the process.