Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have neutralised two suspected terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The intelligence-led operation, which began at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and ended on July 17, targeted a suspected terrorist hideout in Tse Togo and Utenge communities across the River Yooyo at Orter Camp.
According to a statement issued on Friday night by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops advanced through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State before launching the assault on the criminal enclave.
The troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing two of them, while several others fled the area under intense military pressure.
During the operation, three kidnapped victims were rescued.
They were identified as Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military disclosed that other captives escaped from the camp amid the exchange of gunfire, although their whereabouts were yet to be confirmed.
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Troops also recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition and other items from the hideout.
The recovered items include 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, and 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition.
Others are nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (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 courage, resilience and professionalism during the operation.
He reiterated the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist camps and eliminating criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The Force Commander also appreciated sister security agencies and local communities for their continued cooperation and support in ongoing security efforts.
