Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the Operation Whirl Stroke have recounted successes in their counter-terrorism operation in communities of Ussa and Bali Local Government Areas of Taraba State and Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.
The army revealed that the successes were recorded between April 27, 2024 and April 29, 2024, leading to the recovery of weapons and rescue of kidnapped victims.
The troops, responding to a distress call on activities of terrorists at Pukun area of Fikyu in Ussa LGA thwarted the terrorists’ attack and recovered one AK-47 magazine and 10 rounds of special ammunition.
The troops forced the assailants to abandon their criminal activities and retreated during the encounter on April 29, 2024.
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As contained in a statement by the army on Tuesday, the operation was part of efforts by the troops to eliminate the threat posed by terrorists in the state.
Meanwhile in Bali LGA, the troops arrested a suspected drug dealer, Junaidu Isiaka while on night patrol around the Gangdanbana and Kwanar Maliki areas.
The army revealed that the suspect has been on the watchlist of security agencies for his alleged involvement in supply of illicit substances to the terrorists operating in the area.
The suspect was arrested in possession of four sacks of suspected cannabis sativa on April 27, 2024.
The statement added that the Nigerian Army remained committed in its fight against criminals and its commitment to restore peace and stability to the area.
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The statement partly reads: “Troops deployed at Kufai Amadu and Kasuwan Haske, in collaboration with troops from Sub-Sector 1A OPWS, acted on intelligence regarding the hideout of terrorists in Vingir Village of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.
The terrorists were engaged with superior firepower, leading to their withdrawal in disarray.
“The troops arrested a suspected kidnapper named Dogo Manu, who was found in possession of 2 Techno mobile phones and Forty Thousand Naira (#40,000).
“A search of their camp resulted in the recovery of 1 AK 47 rifle. Furthermore, the troops successfully secured the release of kidnapped victims, Dr. James Raphael and his son, in Gbeji, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, National Daily Newspaper gathered.