Troops kill two terrorists, recover arms during operation in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have killed two suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during a security operation in Tse-Anka community, Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State.

The operation took place on March 9, 2026, during a confidence-building patrol designed to reassure residents and prevent criminal groups from operating freely within the area.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu. According to him, the troops launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence on the presence and activities of suspected terrorists within the Tse-Anka community.

He explained that the troops quickly moved to the location alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to confront the suspected criminals.

“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.

After the clash, the security personnel conducted a search operation in the area and recovered several items including 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.

Reacting to the development, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops and other security agencies involved in the mission for their prompt response and professionalism.

Gara said the success of the operation demonstrates the sustained pressure being applied on criminal groups 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 also assured residents of the task force’s determination to continue protecting lives and property in the region.

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

Gara further called for stronger collaboration among security agencies in line with the directives 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.