Soldiers Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue Three Kidnap Victims In Benue
Troops of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnap victims during a coordinated offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer for the operation, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed that the intelligence-led operation was carried out in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard between July 16 and July 17, 2026.
According to the task force, the operation commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16, with troops advancing through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where the suspected terrorists were reportedly operating.
The troops engaged the armed criminals in a fierce gun battle, killing two of the suspects and forcing others to flee.
During the operation, security personnel rescued three abducted 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 of Benue State.
The military added that several other captives escaped from the terrorists' camp during the exchange of gunfire.
Items recovered during the operation 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, one Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (POS) device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
Commending the troops, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience, courage and professionalism in executing the operation.
He reiterated the commitment of the task force to eliminate terrorists and other criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area, while also appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.