Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have neutralised two suspected terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during a coordinated offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, conducted by troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, was carried out between July 16 and 17 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops advanced through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.
The statement said the troops came under resistance upon arrival and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the death of two suspected terrorists.
During the operation, security forces rescued three abducted persons identified as Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer.
All three victims are natives of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.”Troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two of them.
Three abducted victims were rescued, while other captives fled the camp during the firefight,” the statement said.Security operatives also recovered a significant quantity of arms, ammunition and other items from the camp.
Recovered exhibits included one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle fitted with an optic sight, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, as well as desert and woodland camouflage uniforms.
The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area and pledged to sustain ongoing offensives aimed at restoring peace and security in Benue and neighbouring states.
Gara also expressed appreciation to other security agencies and local communities for their support, noting that collaboration and timely intelligence remain critical to the success of military operations against criminal groups.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks operating across the North-Central region.
