The military has stepped up its onslaught against killer herdsmen and other militia in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states.
To combat them, it has launched an exercise to that effect –Operation Whirl Stroke.
According to the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.- Gen, John Agim , who spoke at the Tactical Air Command headquarters in Makurdi, the operation which began on May 8, consists of all the military services, police and Department of State Services (DSS).
He said the exercise had begun to yield fruits as some suspects had been arrested.
He said some of them were associates of a notorious suspected criminal, Terwase Akwaza, who has since been declared wanted.
Also, the Force Commander in charge of the new operation, Major General Mutiu Yekini, said their operation would cover both land and air, just as he assured that the safety of the people was guaranteed.
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The states where the operation is taking place have been under severe attacks in recent times.
Several lives have been lost and properties destroyed.
A major target has been Benue where suspected herdsmen had continued to kill and burn houses.
Since the beginning of the year, many have lost their lives and property as a result of clashes between farmers and killer herdsmen in states across the country.
Because of the regularity of the attacks without any apparent action on the part of the security forces, there had been accusations of compromise against the military.
The military has however denied the claim, saying it was doing its best to ensure security of lives and properties.
