By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, crossed a deep river to invade and destroy bandits hideouts, neutralized two, and rescued three kidnapped victims, in a successful intelligence led offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ Operation WHIRL STROKE, in a statement, indicated that the operation, which commenced at about 0300 hours on 16 July and concluded on 17 July 2026, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists were operating.
During the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two of them. Three abducted victims, namely Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA, were rescued. Other captives fled the camp during the firefight.
Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle with 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, one Moniepoint POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism. He reaffirmed his determination to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and other criminal elements while also appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.
