Benue: Army arrests two bandits’ logistics suppliers

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man over alleged logistical support to a bandit kingpin operating in Benue State.

The suspects, identified as Aondongu Tersoo, 15, and Tertser Terngu, 24, were arrested on Wednesday in Abaji Community by troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, following intelligence reports.

Security sources said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly supplied logistical support to a bandit leader operating across River Yooyo in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects are in custody for investigation and further processing by the appropriate authorities.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops responding to reports of an armed robbery along the Kyado–Wukari Road in Ukum Local Government Area found that local Volunteer Guards had already apprehended two suspected robbers at Jootar Village.

The items recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol, seven rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition and a pair of scissors.

Police rescue abducted Catholic priest, 5 others in Benue

The suspects and recovered items were handed over for further investigation and necessary action.

The operations formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to disrupt criminal networks and improve security across its area of responsibility.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for the arrests.

He urged them to sustain the operational tempo, remain vigilant and continue to rely on timely intelligence to tackle criminal activities across the joint operations area.