Army recover two AK-47 rifles after gunfight in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered two AK-47 rifles and other items after repelling armed men during an operation in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The troops encountered the armed group on Monday after receiving intelligence that suspected criminals posing as herders had crossed from neighbouring Nasarawa State into Guma, according to the military.

In a statement on Monday, Ahmad Zubairu, the acting media information officer of the task force, said the troops came under gunfire on arrival at the location but responded and forced the armed men to flee.

He said the troops recorded no casualties.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four empty magazines, eight calves, three mobile phones, a National Identification Number document belonging to Umar Yusuf and ₦20, the statement said.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their response and urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with local communities.

He also called on residents to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

Related incident

The operation came a day after Operation Whirl Stroke troops rescued two kidnap victims along Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State.

PREMIUM TIMES reported on 26 October that the troops encountered suspected kidnappers during a patrol on the road on 24 October. The suspects fled after a gunfight, abandoning their captives.

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One of the rescued victims, Mngunengen Ihom, 36, sustained machete wounds and was taken to Naka General Hospital for treatment.

The two incidents highlight continuing military operations against armed groups and suspected kidnappers in Benue State.