Soldiers kill two terrorists, rescue three kidnap victims in Benue

Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have neutralised two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during an offensive in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Force said in a statement on Friday by its Acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, that the operation was carried out in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.

According to the statement, the operation began at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and ended on July 17.

“The operation 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; Mr Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA were rescued,” the statement read.

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It added that other captives fled the camp during the exchange of gunfire.

The troops also recovered 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, one Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for what he described as 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,” the statement added.