OPWS Troops kill three notorious kidnappers in a decisive Benue operation after foiling an ambush in Ukum LGA

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, covering Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba States, on Friday in Benue State said they had killed three members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate after foiling an ambush in Ukum Local Government Area.

Also read: Troops capture feared kidnap suspect in Southern Taraba raid

The operation, confirmed in a statement issued in Makurdi by Acting Media Information Officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, followed a coordinated security response to an illegal roadblock set up by the gang.

According to Lieutenant Zubairu, the armed group had mounted the illegal checkpoint along the route linking Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward.

He said the security team confronted the criminals and exchanged fire, leading to the deaths of three suspects while others fled into the surrounding bushes.

Subsequent identification by local residents confirmed the deceased as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, as well as a third suspect from Tse Kpeakaa in Kundav Council. Lieutenant Zubairu said findings linked the group to a wider network believed to be responsible for persistent kidnappings, including recent abductions near the Zaki Biam yam market.

He added that two motorcycles were recovered from the scene, and a search operation was under way to track down those who escaped.

He also noted that intelligence sources had connected the syndicate to a feared bandit kingpin operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala.

OPWS Force Commander Major General Moses Gara commended the synergy among security agencies and praised the courage and discipline displayed by the personnel during what he described as a decisive mission.

He urged the troops to maintain pressure on criminal elements, strengthen intelligence-led efforts and reinforce their presence in vulnerable communities.

Major General Gara reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace in the joint operations area.

He highlighted recent breakthroughs in the Sankera axis, where troops have disrupted several criminal hideouts in an environment long regarded as a flashpoint.

Also read: Troops record success in Taraba clearance operations

The commander said the latest engagement demonstrated the resolve of the security forces to dismantle violent networks and reassure communities of their safety.