By Our Correspondent
National News – Troops of the Joint Task Force conducting security operations under Operation Whirl Stroke have killed two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons and ammunition during a military operation in Benue State.
The operation took place in Tse-Anka community, located in the Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, following intelligence reports about the activities of armed criminal groups in the area.
The troops carried out the operation on March 9, 2026, as part of a confidence-building patrol aimed at strengthening security and reassuring residents of the military’s presence.
Acting on credible intelligence about suspected terrorists operating within Tse-Anka community, the security forces quickly mobilised to the area in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops encountered the suspected terrorists shortly after arriving at the location.
The encounter led to a brief but intense firefight between the troops and the armed suspects.
During the exchange of gunfire, two of the suspected terrorists were neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped from the scene with possible gunshot wounds.
Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area and recovered several weapons and items believed to belong to the fleeing criminals.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, five rifle magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Security forces also seized a Bajaj motorcycle, 82 SIM cards, six ATM cards and several charms suspected to have been used by the criminals.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops and collaborating security personnel for their swift response and professionalism during the operation.
He said the successful mission demonstrates the increasing pressure being mounted on criminal networks across the joint operations area.
Gara reassured residents that the military remains committed to protecting lives and property, adding that intelligence-driven operations and fighting patrols will continue to dismantle terrorist and bandit groups operating within the region.
