Troops destroy suspected terrorist hideout, arrest five in major Benue crackdown

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five suspects during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the troops carried out the intelligence-led operation at about 11:00am. on August 1, targeting suspected criminal hideouts in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka and Sabongida Leke communities.

Makama reported that although the suspected terrorists fled before troops arrived, security operatives continued the operation and arrested five persons at Sabongida Leke over their alleged involvement in criminal activities within the area.

“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.

According to Makama, the operation formed part of the military’s ongoing campaign to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and disrupt the logistics network sustaining armed groups across parts of Benue State.

Military sources, according to Makama, said the operation is part of sustained efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal groups freedom of movement across the Benue axis while intensifying pressure on their hideouts.

The report added that the five suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation as security agencies continue operations to identify other members of the suspected criminal network.