Soldiers Kill Two Suspected Terrorists in Benue, Recover Arms

By Abah Margaret

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered arms and other items during a security operation in Benue State.

The operation took place on March 9, 2026, at Tse-Anka community in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, during a confidence-building patrol aimed at reassuring residents and restricting the activities of criminal elements in the area.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the troops acted on credible intelligence about the activities of suspected terrorists operating in the community.

According to the statement, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to confront the threat.

“Upon arrival at the scene, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a brief but intense firefight. During the engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

Following the encounter, security operatives conducted a search of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five rifle magazines, sixty-one rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Other items recovered include a Bajaj motorcycle, eighty-two SIM cards, six ATM cards, and several charms suspected to have been used by the criminals.

The Force Commander of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and other security operatives involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.

He noted that the success of the operation demonstrates the sustained operational pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.

“The success recorded in the operation reflects the consistent operational pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area,” Gara said.

He added that sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven operations have continued to produce positive results in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

The Force Commander also reassured residents of the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He further encouraged continued collaboration among security agencies in line with the strategic guidance of the military high command, pledging that aggressive operations would be sustained to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the area.