Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard and targeted suspected terrorist hideouts around Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the operation began at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and ended on July 17.
Troops advanced through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State before engaging suspected terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The military said two suspected terrorists were killed during the exchange, while three kidnapped victims were rescued.
The rescued victims were identified as Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
The military added that several other captives escaped from the camp during the operation.
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, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device and military camouflage uniforms.
Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area while thanking sister security agencies and local communities for their continued cooperation.
