Three kiiled, four arrested as troops dislodge bandits in Benue

Bandits wreaking havoc in some parts of Benue State have been neutralised by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, the Nigerian army has disclosed.

According to the military hierarchy, troops arrested four kidnappers and killed three bandits.

Defence Spokesman, Bernard Onyeuko, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, also noted that a kidnapped victim was also rescued in the recent operations in parts of Benue.

Mr Onyeuko said the troops had on June 24 arrested four suspected kidnappers at Igumale Council Ward of Ado Local Government Area of the state.

He gave the identities of the suspects as Alhaji Abdullahi (18), Sale Hassan (22), Usman Abdullahi (20) and Ibrahim Iliyasu (23).

According to him, all arrested criminals have been handed over to the police for necessary action.

Mr Onyeuko said the troops also conducted a raid at a bandits hideout at Mbahuwuhe village in Utange council ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

He said the operation led to the killing of three bandits and rescue of a kidnapped victim who was on blind fold in the hideout with injuries.

According to him, the rescued victim is presently undergoing treatment.

“Several items including a motorcycle, two cell phones among others were recovered before the hideout was brought down.

“The military high command commends the troops and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities,” he said.