Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana, escaped capture after Nigerian Army troops raided his hideout, defence Headquarters revealed.
In a statement issued on Monday, Maj. Gen. John Enenche disclosed that the raid was carried out by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, drawn from Sector 2 at Gbise and Zaki Biam in Benue in conjunction with troops of sector 4 deployed in Kofa Ahmadu, Kasuwan Haske, Kashiimbala and Akate in Taraba State at about 0300 hrs on Saturday, July 18.
The raid, according to Enenche, was conducted at an identified hideout of the wanted criminal in Tse-Audu village, following credible intelligence of Gana around the general area of the village in Akate council ward of Donga Local Government of Taraba State.
He added that Akwaza and his cohorts escaped capture by troops who stormed his hideout where one locally-made mortar tube, one locally-made rifle and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were seized.
“However, the hideout was deserted as the bandits fled before the troops’ arrival, the Defence media coordinator stated.
“Troops combed the hideout and recovered one locally-made rifle, two camouflage uniforms, one dog tag and some substances suspected to be Indian hemp as well as charms. The hideout was then destroyed.
“The search yielded rewards as troops discovered one locally-made mortar tube, one locally-made rifle and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“The buildings were subsequently destroyed to deny Gana and his cohorts the use of the facilities to advance their criminal activities.”
