Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five suspects during a coordinated security operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said it was carried out following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the report, the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on August 1 and targeted suspected terrorist camps in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka and Sabongida Leke communities.
Although the suspected terrorists reportedly escaped before the troops arrived, security personnel continued the operation and arrested five individuals at Sabongida Leke over their alleged links to criminal activities in the area.
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During the raid, troops also destroyed the suspected terrorist hideout and several structures believed to have served as operational bases and logistics centres for the criminal group.
“The troops also destroyed the terrorist enclave and several life-support structures believed to have been used by the criminal elements as operational bases,” the report stated.
Makama said the operation forms part of the military’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist camps and disrupt the supply networks sustaining armed groups operating in parts of Benue State.
Military sources further explained that the offensive is part of sustained efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal groups freedom of movement while intensifying pressure on their hideouts across the Benue axis.
The report added that the five suspects remain in military custody and will undergo further investigation as security agencies continue operations to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
