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Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), operating across Nasarawa, Benue, and Taraba States, have killed three criminals during an engagement in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The individuals were reportedly members of a notorious syndicate linked to persistent insecurity and repeated kidnappings in the area.
The acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Friday.
He said the troops, working alongside other security agencies, successfully thwarted an ambush planned by the gang.
According to the statement, the security team swiftly confronted the criminals who had mounted an illegal roadblock on the route linking Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward.
The troops engaged them immediately, killing three, while others fled into nearby bushes.
Lt Zubairu explained that preliminary investigations confirmed the dead suspects were part of a syndicate responsible for several abductions, including cases near the Zaki-Biam yam market.
He identified two of the deceased as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, while the third was from Tse Kpeakaa, Kundav Council.
He added that the group has been linked to a well-known bandit kingpin operating around the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA. Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene, and a search is ongoing for the fleeing suspects.
OPWS Force Commander Major General Moses Gara commended the synergy among security operatives and praised their courage and professionalism.
He urged troops to sustain their momentum, intensify intelligence-led operations and reinforce security in high-risk communities.
General Gara reaffirmed OPWS’s commitment to protecting lives, supporting civil authorities and restoring peace across the joint operations area.
OPWS troops have recently intensified efforts in the Sankera axis, including a November raid in Mbagen Community, where one gang member was killed and a notorious bandit leader narrowly escaped.
