Security forces neutralize 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 of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation took place on March 9, 2026, during a confidence-building patrol aimed at reassuring residents and denying criminal elements freedom of movement in the area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the troops carried out the operation after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating within the Tse-Anka community.

He explained that the troops swiftly moved to the area, engaged the suspects and neutralised two of them during the encounter.

Zubairu added that weapons, ammunition and other items were recovered from the suspects during the operation, while the patrol was part of ongoing efforts by security forces to strengthen security and restore confidence among residents in the area.

The statement said troops swiftly mobilised to the location in conjunction with 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. During the engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

According to the statement, troops subsequently conducted a search of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five rifle magazines, sixty-one 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, eighty-two SIM cards, six ATM cards, and several charms suspected to be used by the criminals,” it added.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and other security operatives involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.

Gara noted that the outcome of the operation reflected the continued operational pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.

“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 said.

He added that “sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven engagements have continued to yield positive results in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.”

The force commander reassured residents of the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

“He further reassured law-abiding citizens of Operation WHIRL STROKE commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” the statement said.

Gara also encouraged sustained collaboration among security agencies in line with the strategic guidance of the military high command.

“He also pledged to sustain aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the Joint Operation Area,” the statement added.

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