Troops neutralise 2 suspected terrorists in Benue

Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road in Benue State. The operation, which combined confidence-building and combat patrol, followed credible intelligence from residents on the movement of armed bandits in the Amafu Iwer area. Acting on the tip-off, troops mobilised […]

Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road in Benue State.

The operation, which combined confidence-building and combat patrol, followed credible intelligence from residents on the movement of armed bandits in the Amafu Iwer area.

Acting on the tip-off, troops mobilised alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to the identified location.

A statement by Ahmad Zubairu, acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force OPWS, said the troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle upon arrival.

Two of the suspected terrorists were killed, while others escaped into nearby bushes, reportedly with gunshot wounds, he said.

He said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a green camouflage uniform abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

He also appreciated members of the local community for providing timely intelligence, describing public cooperation as critical to counter-terrorism efforts.

Gara urged residents to continue supporting security agencies and assured them of the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.