Troops neutralises 2 terrorists in Benue as Operation Whirl Stroke steps up pressure

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, have killed two suspected terrorists and recovered a cache of weapons and other items during an intelligence-driven patrol in Tse-Anka community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The troops acted on credible intelligence about the activities of suspected terrorists operating within the community, swiftly mobilising alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to confront the threat. Upon arrival at the scene, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a brief but intense firefight. Two of the terrorists were neutralised during the engagement while several others fled into surrounding bush with possible gunshot wounds.

A search of the area yielded one AK-47 rifle, five rifle magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition. Other items recovered included a Bajaj motorcycle, 82 SIM cards, six ATM cards, and several charms suspected to be used by the criminals, items that security analysts said point to a network involved in telecommunications fraud and coordinated criminal activity beyond simple banditry.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and security operatives for their swift response and professionalism, saying: “The success recorded in the operation is a reflection of the consistent operational pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.” He added that “sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven engagements have continued to yield positive results in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry,” and reassured law-abiding citizens of the task force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Tuesday’s operation is the latest in a series of security actions across Benue State, which has suffered persistent attacks from armed herders, criminal gangs, and terrorist groups operating along its volatile borders with Taraba, Nasarawa and Plateau states. Earlier this month, at least 12 people were killed when suspected herders attacked farming communities in Kwande Local Government Area ,, the second mass-casualty attack in the state within a fortnight.

Operation Whirl Stroke was established specifically to tackle the complex security challenges in Nigeria’s North-Central region, with Benue as its primary theatre of operations.