Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled cattle rustling attempt and killed two terrorists in Abuja Community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue.

Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer, Headquarters, OPWS, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Makurdi.

Mr Zubairu disclosed that troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion IX operating under OPWS, on March 3, arrested three suspected cattle rustlers and recovered stolen livestock.

He said the suspects were arrested during a routine patrol operation conducted around Obagaji in Agatu Local Government area of Benue.

He said the troops deployed to Obagaji received credible intelligence regarding suspected cattle rustling activities around the Omikwidi general area.

He said the troops immediately moved towards the Ologba–Egba road and deployed in ambush position.

“During the operation, troops successfully intercepted a Sienna bus conveying three fully grown cows suspected to have been rustled.

“Three suspects were immediately arrested. The suspects were identified as Mamuda Hussein, 28, a native of Adagbo community; Sunday Moses, 35, from Obagaji village; and Teny Musa, 22, also from Obagaji,” he said. 

Mr Zubairu said preliminary investigations revealed that the cattle were being transported using a vehicle bearing a fake Kogi State government registration number plate marked Kogi 2LMA 35 LG.

He said the suspects’ gang leader, Mamuda Hussein, reportedly confessed that he was invited to purchase the rustled cattle by two individuals identified as Dahiru and Small.

He said that the suspects were in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

In another operation, Mr Zubairu stated that troops of COAS Intervention Battalion XV, on March 4, conducted an ambush operation at Abuja Village, Agatu Local Government following intelligence on terrorist movement within the area.

He said during the operation, the troops made contact with the terrorists and one armed criminal was neutralised while others fled the scene.

According to him, during the search of the area, the troops recover one round of 7.62mm special ammunition from the bag of the neutralised suspect.

He stated that on March 5, troops deployed at the same Abuja Village came under attack by suspected terrorists.

Mr Zubairu said the troops responded decisively and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to withdraw, while one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.

Similarly, he said on March 7, OPWS troops at the Maritime Component, Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area working on intelligence, intercepted suspected cattle rustlers who were trying to escape through the boat with cows.

“Troops immediately mobilised to the location and intercepted the suspects attempting to flee by boat. Warning shots were fired, leading to the arrest of one suspect with two stolen cows inside the boat.

“The boat and the recovered livestock are currently in the custody for investigation and further processing,” he stated.

Mr Zubairu stated that the Force Commander(FC) OPWS, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, reassured residents of Benue and neighbouring states that the Joint Task Force remained committed to protecting lives and property.

“Gara also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area,” he stated. 

(NAN)