Military destroys militia camp, kills 3 in Benue

The Defence Headquarters said on Thursday that troops had raided a suspected militia camp at Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum local government area of Benue State.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, who disclosed this in a statement, said three gang members were killed during a gun duel with the troops.

He added that a large cache of arms, ammunition and other items were recovered during the operation that took place on Wednesday.

Enenche said the raid operation was carried out by the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke made up Sector II deployed at Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue and those of Sector 4 drawn from parts of Taraba State.

According to him, 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.

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He said the armed militia on sighting the troops opened fire and tried to dislodge them.

The Special Forces troops, the defence spokesman added, responded swiftly and killed the three gang members.

Enenche said: “Others abandoned their position and weapons and fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered include one 81mm Mortar gun, five 60mm Commando Mortar gun, seven locally fabricated Mortar tubes guns, three SMG rifles, three Double Barrel rifles and two locally-made rifles.

“Also recovered are, one G3 rifle, one locally-made pistol, five AK 47 magazines, 166 rounds of 7.62mm 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 handset, charms and assorted hard drugs.

“There was no casualty on own troops.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to restate its commitment to restoring peace in all parts of the country.

“It also continued to request the general public for credible information which will assist the military to rid the country of criminal elements.”

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