Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected militia member during an intelligence-led operation in Agasha village in Guma LGA of Benue state.
In a statement on Saturday, Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke, said the suspect was arrested following a report of an attack on a resident.
Zubairu said the operation was launched on March 13 after security agencies received credible intelligence about an assault on one Shaapera Michael in the community.
He added that troops of the chief of army staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI, deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke were immediately mobilised to the area to track down the suspect.
According to the statement, the troops cordoned off the area to prevent the suspect from escaping while conducting a targeted search.
“The suspected militia member identified as Mr Suurnen David Akum, aged 27, from Agasha Village in Guma Local Government Area, was successfully apprehended by the troops,” the statement reads.
“A locally fabricated rifle was also recovered from the suspect during the arrest. The suspect is under investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
The statement added that Moses Gara, force commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their professionalism and tactical approach during the operation.
Zubairu said Gara encouraged the troops to sustain the operational tempo and remain vigilant in ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate in the area.
