Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, in a joint effort with other security agencies, have raided and destroyed notorious bandit hideouts connected to wanted gang leader Konyo Mbise around the Akwaza area in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a statement issued by the Nigerian Army, the operation was described as part of an ongoing push to rid the region of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful farming season in Benue.

The statement read: “In a recent raid operation conducted on May 18, 2025, troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion of OPWS, in close synergy with other security agencies, captured and destroyed identified bandit camps linked to a bandit leader in Konyo Gbise around Akwaza in Katsina-Ala LGA.”

During the raid, several items were recovered, including a submachine gun with a magazine, a locally fabricated rifle, 7.62mm special ammunition, a rifle butt and barrel, and 9mm rounds. Other items seized included three POS machines, two power generators, a mobile phone, electrical cables, a painting machine, and seven solar panels.

The troops also found half a bag of suspected cannabis sativa, along with different portraits of wanted bandit leaders.

Commander of JTF OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their success and urged them to sustain pressure on criminal networks destabilizing the region.

He also appealed to residents of Benue State to support ongoing military operations by reporting suspicious activities and providing credible information to security operatives.