Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have neutralised two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during an intelligence-led offensive in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, which commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and ended on July 17, 2026, was carried out in Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp after troops advanced through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State.
According to the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing two of the suspects and forcing others to flee.

The troops rescued three abducted victims 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.

Several other captives also escaped from the terrorists’ camp during the operation.

Items recovered from the hideout included 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 POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.

The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their courage, resilience and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorists and other criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area while appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.