Troops of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a major offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, military uniforms and other items from the terrorists’ camp following the operation, which lasted for about two days.
The Joint Task Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out jointly with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal camps operating within the state and neighbouring communities.
The military said the operation started at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and continued until July 17.
The statement explained that troops advanced through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State before moving into Tse Togo and Utenge communities, located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where intelligence reports indicated that suspected terrorists had established a hideout.
As the troops approached the area, they encountered the armed men, leading to a fierce gun battle.
According to the military, two of the suspected terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire, while others fled into nearby forests to escape arrest.
The operation also led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims who had been held captive by the criminals.
The rescued victims were identified as Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer.
All three victims are from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military said the rescued victims were safely recovered during the assault on the camp.
It added that several other captives managed to escape during the gunfight as the kidnappers fled the area.
Although the statement did not state the exact number of those who escaped, it noted that the confusion created by the military assault enabled some hostages to regain their freedom.
Following the operation, troops searched the camp and recovered several weapons and military equipment believed to have been used by the terrorists.
Among the items recovered were one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle fitted with an optic sight and one pistol.
Security personnel also seized 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition and nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition.
Other items recovered included a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
Military authorities believe the recovered camouflage uniforms may have been used by the suspects to disguise themselves as security personnel during their operations.
The recovered POS machine is also expected to assist investigators in tracing financial transactions linked to the criminal group.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for the successful operation.
He praised their resilience, courage and professionalism during the mission, describing the operation as another important step in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping in the region.
According to the statement, the commander reaffirmed the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to eliminate terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.
He also thanked other security agencies and local communities for supporting military operations through intelligence sharing and cooperation.
The military noted that collaboration between security agencies and residents has continued to improve the effectiveness of operations against criminal gangs.
Operation WHIRL STROKE is a multi-agency security operation established to tackle insecurity in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
The operation brings together personnel from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat armed banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal violence.
Benue State has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including attacks by armed groups, kidnappings and violent clashes that have claimed many lives and displaced thousands of residents.
Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where the latest operation took place, has remained one of the flashpoints for criminal activities due to its difficult terrain and proximity to forests that provide cover for armed groups.
Security agencies have repeatedly carried out operations in the area to destroy criminal camps and restore peace.
The latest military success comes as security forces across the country intensify efforts to rescue kidnapped victims and dismantle criminal networks responsible for abductions, armed attacks and terrorism.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, affecting both rural and urban communities.
Victims have included farmers, traders, students, travellers and traditional rulers, with criminal gangs often using forests as operational bases.
The Federal Government has repeatedly directed security agencies to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and kidnappers while improving intelligence gathering and joint operations.
Military authorities have also encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in locating criminal hideouts before attacks are carried out.
The rescue of the three victims and the recovery of weapons are expected to strengthen ongoing operations in Benue and neighbouring states.
Military authorities say troops will continue to pursue fleeing members of the criminal group to ensure they are arrested or neutralised.
The operation also highlights the increasing use of coordinated security operations involving the military, other security agencies and local security outfits in responding to security threats across the country.