The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said troops raided a suspected militia camp at Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, on Thursday.
Enenche said that a large cache of arms, ammunition, and other items were recovered from the raid.
He said the raid was carried out by the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke made up of Sector II, deployed at Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue State, and those of Sector 4 drawn from parts of Taraba.
According to him, the armed militia on sighting the troops opened a barrage of fire on own troops.
The troops responded swiftly and neutralized three gang members
“Others abandoned their position and weapons and fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.
“Items recovered include one 81 mm Mortar gun, five 60 mm Commando Mortar gun, seven locally fabricated Mortar tubes guns, three SMG rifles, three Double Barrel rifles and two locally-made rifles.
Eneche further revealed that the operation was sequel to timely and credible information received on the activities of the armed militia operating around the border areas of Benue and Taraba states.
Other items recovered are; one G3 rifle, one locally made pistol, five AK 47 magazines, 166 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, one car battery, 15 rounds of locally made ammunition, two bags of gun powder, nine pairs of camouflage uniforms, one generator, three motorcycles, one cellular hand set, charms and assorted hard drugs.
He added that there was no casualty on the side of the troops.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to restate its commitment to restoring peace in all parts of the country.
“It also continues to request the general public for credible information which will assist the military to rid the country of criminal elements,” he said
