Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered two AK-47 rifles and various items after repelling armed men during a gunfight in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The engagement occurred when military personnel encountered the armed group while conducting operations in the area. The troops successfully drove the men away, leading to the recovery of the weapons and other materials.
The incident, which was detailed in a report on recent military operations in Benue, reflects the persistent security challenges in the Middle Belt region. Guma LGA has long been identified as a high-risk zone due to frequent attacks by bandits and armed herders, which often target unfortified rural communities.
Operation Whirl Stroke is the Nigerian Army’s dedicated task force established to manage security in the North Central zone, including Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa states. The unit is tasked with mitigating communal conflicts, banditry, and kidnapping. These security breaches have significantly hindered agricultural productivity in Benue, which is often referred to as the “food basket of the nation,” as farmers struggle to access their fields safely.
The recovery of these AK-47 rifles is part of the military’s ongoing effort to disarm non-state actors and reduce the firepower available to criminal gangs. The presence of high-calibre weaponry in Guma continues to pose a threat to the safety of farmers and local traders. Many residents in the area have been forced to abandon their settlements due to the constant threat of violent raids and kidnappings.
While the military has confirmed the recovery of the items, official statements have not detailed whether any suspects were killed or captured during the exchange of fire. The military’s focus remains on maintaining a presence in the Guma axis to prevent the regrouping of armed elements.
Security analysts note that the frequency of these skirmishes suggests that armed groups continue to maintain a presence within the dense vegetation and forest reserves of the state. The military is expected to intensify patrols in the coming weeks to ensure the stability of the local communities.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
