Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition during a security operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post shared on X on Tuesday.
According to Makama, the suspect was apprehended at about 7:10 p.m. on June 22 during an operation carried out by troops of Sector 1 OPWS in the area.
Security sources said the arrest followed intelligence reports linking the suspect to cult-related activities believed to be contributing to insecurity in the local government area.
Items recovered from the suspect included a locally fabricated pistol, two cartridges, and a bag containing suspected personal belongings.
“Items recovered from him included one locally fabricated pistol, two cartridges, and a bag containing suspected personal belongings,” Makama stated.
A source disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody and is being investigated to determine the extent of his involvement and identify any accomplices.
“The suspect is under investigation to establish his role and other persons connected to his activities,” the source said.
Security authorities noted that the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism and other criminal activities in Benue State and neighbouring areas.
They added that Operation Whirl Stroke has intensified patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at sustaining peace and enhancing security across its area of responsibility.
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