The Defence Headquarters, on Wednesday said armed herdsmen attacked the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in the Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, killing two soldiers and injuring five others.
The attack took place on Tuesday but the Soldiers were able to recover some weapons from the Herdsmen. including AK-47’s and two two locally made guns.
Brig-Gen. John Agim, The acting Director of Defence Information said:
“Some troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke carried out a cordon and search operation at a suspected herdsmen militia camp at the Bakin Kota village in the Keana LGA of Nasarawa State on June 26, at 6am. After the operation, the militia elements regrouped and attacked our team, killing two soldiers and injuring five personnel including the Officer Commanding.
“Following this incident, some troops were mobilised for reinforcement. In the firefight that ensued, some of the militia sustained injuries. Our troops were able to destroy their camp.
“The Chairman of the Nasarawa State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Hussein, later accused the military of killing six Fulani herdsmen and hundreds of cattle in the newspapers on June 28. This is not true. The information is completely false and unfounded.
“We want the people in these four states to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation from any quarters. We have done this at a great cost to our personnel which includes some who died.
“While the military is not in a hurry to link MACBAN to this militia, an investigation has begun to unravel those behind the death of our men. The military is ready to take down those who are responsible alongside their sponsors no matter how highly placed.”
The military spokesperson said apart from the 34 suspects arrested in Benue and Nasarawa, 20 weapons were recovered.
