Nigerian Army troops have neutralised a notorious criminal during an operation in Benue State and arrested several armed suspects in Nasarawa State, recovering dangerous weapons and ammunition in the process.

According to military sources, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb insecurity, banditry, and communal violence in the North-Central region. The troops, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a hideout used by criminal gangs in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, where one armed suspect was neutralised after a gun battle. Other members of the gang reportedly fled into nearby forests.

In a related operation, the soldiers carried out a coordinated raid in Nasarawa State, which led to the arrest of several suspects linked to recent cases of kidnapping and armed robbery. The troops recovered assault rifles, locally made guns, magazines, and rounds of ammunition, among other dangerous weapons.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property across troubled regions. It also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with reliable information that could help identify criminal hideouts and activities.

Authorities said that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang while maintaining strong surveillance across affected areas to prevent further attacks.