Troops Gun Down Three Suspects as Military Thwarts Ambush in Benue

Story: written by Peterson December 11,2025
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the joint security force operating across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, have eliminated three suspected criminals during a security operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The individuals killed were said to be part of a notorious criminal network responsible for recurrent attacks, kidnappings, and insecurity in the Ukum axis.

The development was confirmed in a statement on Friday by OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.

According to the statement, troops—acting on credible intelligence and working alongside other security agencies—successfully foiled an attempted ambush staged by the gang.

Zubairu explained that the criminals had mounted an illegal roadblock along the route linking Aturuku, Wembe, and Ayati villages in Borkyo Council Ward before the military team confronted them.

“Upon making contact, the troops engaged the criminals decisively, neutralising three, while the remaining suspects fled into nearby bushes,” the statement added.

Further intelligence gathered after the operation revealed that the slain individuals were members of a well-known syndicate involved in repeated kidnappings and violent crimes within Ukum LGA, including recent abductions around the Zaki-Biam yam market.

Community residents later identified the suspects as Sughter Abelebe and Sughnen Abelebe from Ugbaam Council Ward, while the third was traced to Tse Kpeakaa in the Kundav area.

The statement also disclosed that the group is linked to a notorious bandit leader operating in the Shitile axis of Katsina-Ala LGA.

Two motorcycles were recovered during the operation, while security forces continue a manhunt for the fleeing accomplices.

Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, Force Commander of OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, and coordinated response. He urged them to sustain the ongoing security pressure, intensify intelligence-driven missions, and maintain a strong presence in vulnerable communities.

In recent months, OPWS has stepped up operations in the Sankera region. In November, troops raided the hideout of an armed gang in Mbagen Community, Ukum LGA, killing one suspect while the gang leader narrowly escaped.