By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Wanted militant, Gana, on Saturday, narrowly escaped arrest as a combined team of Operation WHIRL STROKE Special Forces troops of Sector 2 raided his hideout in Mtan village in Utenge Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.
The troops are deployed in Gbise and Zaki Biam in Benue State and Sector 4 Taraba State.
Major General John Enenche Coordinator Defence Media Operations Defence Headquarters, in a statement on Sunday said two of the gang members were killed and others escaped various degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Exploitation revealed that Gana narrowly escaped death with gunshot wounds. Items recovered include: One locally fabricated machine gun, six locally made rifles, two locally fabricated cartridge guns, one dane gun, two revolver pistols, two cartridge pistols, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition two motorcycles, one camouflage shirt, one generator set, one bag of gun powder and assorted charms. Gana’s personal belongings, other items and thatched houses were destroyed.
He also disclosed that troops of Sector 3 deployed at Ondori in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State acting on credible intelligence that a group of Bassa armed militia were planning to attack some Tiv villages over land disputes.
“Troops raided their camp located at Kpelebewa village in Rukubi area of Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops apprehended seven members of the Bassa militia dressed in red shirts in the camp. Items recovered include one locally fabricated machine gun, six locally fabricated rifles, two locally fabricated cartridge guns, one dane gun, two revolver pistols, two cartridge firing pistols, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 29 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 22 cartridges of ammunition. Other items are one dagger, poisoned bows and arrows, desert camouflage head gears and pouch, six phone handsets and some charms. “
He added that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to be handed over to the Nigeria Police.
