Soldiers kill two suspected terrorists and free kidnap victims in Benue

Troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three people who were kidnapped in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The soldiers also seized weapons and ammunition during this operation that was guided by intelligence.

This operation took place from July 16 to July 17, as stated in a report released on Friday by Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS.

Zubairu said the operation started around 3 a.m. on July 16. Troops moved through Takum in nearby Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where they believed suspected terrorists were hiding.

The troops faced the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, killing two, while others managed to escape.

"The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists and the rescue of three kidnapped victims. Other captives fled the camp during the firefight," Zubairu explained.

The rescued victims are Nyityo Abraham, a teacher, Uzuegwu Decency, a spare parts dealer, and Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer. They all live in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

Zubairu said the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle 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 machine, and four military camouflage uniforms.

Moses Gara, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

Gara also confirmed the task force’s promise to wipe out terrorists and other criminal groups in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.

"He reaffirmed his determination to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and other criminal elements while appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation," the statement noted.

This operation comes as security forces ramp up efforts in Benue after several deadly attacks and kidnappings in recent weeks.