By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, have foiled an attack by suspected armed herders at Azege Village, Tombo Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a Nokia mobile phone.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to him, troops received a distress call on August 10, 2026, reporting an attack on Azege Community and immediately mobilised to the area.
He said the troops made contact with the attackers on arrival and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the assailants to flee following the troops’ superior firepower.
Zubairu said troops pursued the fleeing attackers and subsequently discovered one suspected armed herder who was neutralised during the encounter.
He added that the recovered rifle, ammunition and mobile phone had been secured by the troops, while the remains of the suspect were evacuated by the Police.
“Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the group who fled the scene,” he said.
The Joint Task Force commended the troops for their tactical resilience during the operation and praised the Nigerian Police Force for its cooperation.It also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities within their communities to security agencies.
