Troops kill two suspected terrorists, rescue three kidnap victims in Benue

n n

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

n

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnap victims during an intelligence-led operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

n

The operation, which lasted two days, was carried out through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State and targeted suspected terrorist hideouts at Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo in the Orter Camp axis.

n

In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle during the operation.

n

“Troops engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, killing two of them and successfully rescuing three abducted persons,” Zubairu said.

n

The rescued victims were identified as Mr Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka, a spare parts dealer; and Mr Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

n

The statement added that other captives escaped from the terrorists’ camp during the exchange of gunfire.

n

Items recovered from the operation 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, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint POS device and four military camouflage uniforms.

n

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, reaffirming the task force’s commitment to tackling terrorism and other criminal activities within its area of operations.

n

Gara also appreciated sister security agencies and members of local communities for their continued cooperation and support in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.

n n