Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke, dismantled bandit camps and seized weapons during a clearance mission in Taraba and Benue States on December 7.
Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the operation in a Sunday statement.
The operation covered Akahagu and China villages in Ukum Counties of Benue State, extending to Ikayor village. At Ikayor, the military confronted bandits at a camp linked to a notorious criminal, Akiki Utiv, alias Full Fire. The bandit leader known as “Full Fire” surrendered his weapons and requested an amnesty at a peace ceremony conducted by Katsina Ala Bishop Isaac Bundepuun Dugu on Oct. 25, according to TruthNigeria. The Army report does not mention a clash with Full Fire’s gang members, and the peace agreement he signed is a matter of investigation.
“Troops applied overwhelming firepower during the encounter, forcing the bandits to abandon their positions and flee in disarray,” Oni stated. Items recovered included a red Toyota Corolla, a motorcycle, a military camouflage trousers, and a Beretta pistol with one round of 9mm ammunition.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
