A joint operation of the military under Operation Restore Peace has arrested three suspected bandits during ongoing clearance operations in the Sankara axis of Benue State.

Sources said the operation, led to the arrest of one Musa Idris of Angwan Solar, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba, as well as John Nyor and Joseph Adawa, both of Vingir village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that Idris mentioned one Alhaji Warere of Sabon Geri, Takum, and Alhaji Ali, also known as Chop and Die, of Trailer Park, Takum, as masterminds of the deadly attack on policemen at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala.

He further said that Nyor and Adawa were informants to notorious bandit leaders identified as Konyo, Anyogo and Full Fire.

The suspects, he added, were providing useful information to security agencies.

The sources also disclosed that credible intelligence indicated that most of the bandit leaders and their fighters had relocated to Peva village at the foot of the Guma Hills in Taraba, describing the area as a known stronghold of criminal elements for decades.

He said the command had recommended intensified security operations in Taraba to complement the ongoing joint operation in Benue. (Zagazola)