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Troops arrest two suspected gunrunners, recover motorcycles and cash in Benue 

By Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected gunrunners during a security operation in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 12:30 p.m. on July 29 by troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed at Igumale.

According to the sources, the suspects were arrested at Rijo in Ado Local Government Area following intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting the activities of criminal elements involved in the illicit arms trade.

Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles believed to have been used for their operations and ₦244,240 in cash.

The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the weapons, as well as identify other members of the suspected gunrunning network.

Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent attacks and insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states.