Benue: Troops kill suspected terrorist, seize weapons in Katsina-Ala operation

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have neutralised a suspected armed fighter and recovered weapons during a clearance exercise in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The update was made public in a statement on Thursday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Ahmad Zubairu.

He said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists were operating from Kumeh Village in Katsina-Ala LGA.

“The operation was conducted on 9 February 2026 after credible intelligence was received regarding the activities of suspected terrorists at Kumeh Village in Katsina-Ala LGA,” Mr Zubairu said.

“Upon arrival, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight during which one terrorist was neutralised while others fled.”

Zubairu noted that the troops successfully overpowered the criminals and destroyed the identified hideout. Weapons and other items recovered from the location included a G3 rifle, one G3 magazine, an AK-47 magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, a vehicular radio set, and a camouflage vest.

He added that a follow-up search of the adjoining forest and nearby communities showed no further security threats.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, described the raid as a major setback for the armed group operating in the area.

He commended the personnel for their “courage, professionalism and dedication,” and disclosed that those involved in the mission would be recommended for commendation.

Gara also acknowledged the support of local residents, whose timely intelligence he said played a key role in the success of the exercise.

The raid forms part of ongoing security crackdowns across Benue State.

On 15 February, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the rescue of nine worshippers abducted during a night vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Ado Local Government Area. Four suspects were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

Earlier, reports indicated that on 18 February, six commuters were abducted near Kula Village along the Naka–Makurdi road, with the kidnappers allegedly demanding N100 million ransom.

In a separate incident, 14 passengers were kidnapped along the Okpokwu axis, while gunmen carried out fatal attacks in communities in Kwande Local Government Area.

Security agencies maintain that sustained operations in Katsina-Ala and other flashpoints are part of broader efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.