Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, which began at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and ended on July 17, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where the suspected terrorists had established a hideout.
On reaching the camp, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, killing two of the suspects while forcing others to flee.
The troops also rescued three kidnapped victims identified as Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. Several other captives reportedly escaped from the camp amid the exchange of gunfire.
Security forces recovered a cache of arms and military equipment, including 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 POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms, and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience, courage, and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to flushing out terrorists and other criminal elements from the Joint Operations Area, while expressing appreciation to sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.
