Troops Crush Notorious Roadblock Gang in Benue After Foiled Ambush

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a criminal gang responsible for a string of ambushes and kidnappings in Benue State, following a coordinated security operation that thwarted an attempted attack on travellers.

The joint team — comprising OPWS operatives, officers of the Nigeria Police (Zaki-Biam Division) and the Benue State Community Protection Guard — struck on Wednesday after receiving intelligence that armed men had mounted an illegal roadblock on the route linking Aturuku, Wembe and Ayati communities in Ukum Local Government Area.

According to Lt Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, the troops engaged the gang in a brief but fierce confrontation, killing three suspects while others fled into nearby bushes.

Two motorcycles allegedly used by the criminals were recovered as troops intensified pursuit of those who escaped.

Preliminary findings linked the neutralised suspects to a syndicate blamed for repeated kidnappings and armed attacks across Ukum LGA, including incidents around the busy Zaki-Biam yam market. Community members later identified the dead as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, and a third man from Tse Kpeakaa in Kundav Ward.

Security sources further indicated that the group had ties to a notorious bandit leader operating within the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA, a hotspot for organised criminal activity.

Maj Gen Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, praised the synergy among the security agencies and commended the troops for their professionalism. He urged them to sustain momentum, deepen intelligence gathering and bolster presence in vulnerable communities.

He reaffirmed OPWS’ commitment to restoring stability and protecting civilians across the Joint Operations Area.