Troops clash with militia along Benue, Nasarawa borders

The Nigeria Army said troops of 72 Special Forces Battalion and 177 Guards Battalion in the early hours of Wednesday clashed with some armed militia, while on joint clearance operation along Benue and Nassarawa State border.

A statement by Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Usman yesterday said the troops were alerted on the presence of unidentified armed militia in the area.

He said it was confirmed that the criminals were setting houses on fire in Igacha village, about 4 kilometres from Kadarko town in Nasarawa State.

He said, “Troops responded immediately by mobilizing to the area to stop the arson and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The militia on sighting troops abandoned their mission, scampering for safety in different directions. However, the troops neutralized one of the assailants, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“A cordon and search operation is still in progress in the general area with the view of tracking the fleeing armed criminals.”

Usman said, inhabitants of the general area were requested to be in the lookout for wounded persons and report to security agencies.