Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists, Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Benue Offensive
Oru Leonard
Troops of Sector 1 of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have neutralised two suspected terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during a major offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The intelligence-led operation, which began at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and concluded on July 17, 2026, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists had established a hideout.
According to the military, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, killing two of the suspects and forcing others to flee. During the operation, three kidnapped victims were rescued. They were 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 camp during the exchange of fire.
Security forces also recovered a significant cache of arms and military items, including 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, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (POS) device, as well as two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms.
Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism in executing the operation.He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to sustaining offensive operations aimed at eliminating terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. The Force Commander also appreciated sister security agencies and members of local communities for their continued support and timely intelligence, describing their cooperation as critical to the success of ongoing operations.
