Troops Eliminate 2 Terrorists, Rescue 3 Kidnap Victims in Benue
Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have neutralised two suspected terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during an intelligence-led offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military disclosed that the operation commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, and concluded on Friday, July 17, 2026. Troops advanced through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where the suspected terrorists were reportedly operating.
According to the military, the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists.
Three abducted victims were successfully rescued during the operation. They were 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 of Benue State.
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The military added that several other captives escaped from the terrorists’ camp during the exchange of gunfire.
Troops also recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition and other items from the camp, 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 Point-of-Sale (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, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience, courage and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to sustaining offensive operations aimed at eliminating terrorists and other criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area.
The Force Commander also expressed appreciation to sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support, cooperation and timely intelligence, which he said remain critical to the success of ongoing military operations in the region.
By PRNigeria
