Following the increased clampdown on activities of bandits in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba state, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on Monday busted a kidnap syndicate in Gidan-Bawa, Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state.

However, the Chief of Gidan-Bawa, Dogara Yahaya (aka Maikasuwa Aruwa) who was suspected to be the ring leader of the syndicate who got information that the troops were on their way to his house to effect his arrest, fled along with his family members before the troops could get to him.

Impeccable sources within the military said that the OPWS, led by Major General Kevin Aligbe has declared a total war on criminals and their activities in the state.

He explained that the joint troops of OPWS deployed to Maraba Udege and those deployed to Ugya in Toto LGA of the state who embarked on the operation recovered arms and ammunition during the raid on the traditional ruler’s house.

During the search, the troops recovered one locally-made revolver pistol, eight dane guns, 20 cartridges of 6/7.62mm rounds of special ammunition, one axe, two mobile phones as well as charms.

The source noted that the military spike operation recorded the success through Human Intelligence (HUMINT) gathered for locals on activities of armed bandits and kidnappers at Gidan-Bawa.

In another development, and in its bid to ensure a harmonious relationship between farmers and herders in Giza, Keana LGA of Nasarawa state, using the non-kinetic approach, the military met with stakeholders to encourage farmers and herders’ coexistence.

It was learnt that the military decided to call for the meeting in view of increased farming activities, following the advent of the rainy season.

It was further learnt that the meeting which was to a large extent fruitful had in attendance the Emir of Keana, Alhaji Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo III, personnel of the 177 Guards battalion, other security agencies as well as representatives of farmers and herders groups.(Daily Independent)