According to The PUNCH, troops on Monday destroyed the hideout of a deceased Benue militia leader, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, at Adu, in the Chanchanji council ward of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

They also killed two militants and arrested five suspected bandits.

Those in custody included Saalu Terlumun, Benjamin Valentine and Milton Gbegi, who were arrested at Sai in Benue, while Isaac Hilega, aka Bawasa, and Godwin Terwase, were arrested at Chanchanji in Taraba State.

The personnel of Sector 2 deployed at Gbise in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State in conjunction with troops of Sector 4 reportedly carried out a joint dawn raid operation on the identified militants’ hideout at Adu.

In the course of the operation, the troops had contact with the militiamen, who fired at them as they closed in on their position.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, the troops responded with superior fire forcing the armed men to flee the camp in disarray into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.

Also, locally-made pistols were reportedly recovered from the bandits.

The statement, titled, ‘Operation Whirl Stroke: Troops neutralise bandits, arrest suspected militias,’ said the soldiers equally recovered 16 handsets, charms and some substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation after which they will be handed over to the police for further action. Currently, troops have dominated the area with fighting patrols to deter armed elements and deny them freedom of movement,” the DHQ said.