Army Neutralises Two Suspected Terrorists in Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items during an operation in Tse-Anka Community, Yooyo Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, carried out on March 9, 2026, was part of a confidence-building patrol aimed at reassuring residents and denying criminal elements freedom of action in the area.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the troops acted on credible intelligence about suspected terrorists operating in the community.
Troops moved swiftly in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to confront the threat.
“Upon arrival, troops engaged the terrorists in a brief but intense firefight. Two were neutralised while several others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, five rifle magazines, sixty-one rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Bajaj motorcycle, eighty-two SIM cards, six ATM cards, and several charms suspected to be used by the criminals.
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of JTF WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops and other security operatives for their swift response and professionalism.
He said the operation reflected the ongoing pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
“The success recorded in the operation shows that sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven engagements continue to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism and banditry,” he added.
Gara reassured residents of the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property and encouraged continued collaboration among security agencies.
He pledged to sustain aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the area.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
