Troops Neutralize Alleged Abduction Suspect, Seize Gun in Benue Raid

A recent operation conducted by the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in Benue State resulted in the death of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

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The operation, which took place on July 2, was initiated following the receipt of credible intelligence regarding suspected kidnapping activities at Jotar Village near the Quarantine Checkpoint.

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According to a statement issued on Friday by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops were swiftly deployed from Kyado to the area in response to the intelligence.

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Upon arrival, the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, during which one terrorist was neutralised and an AK-47 rifle along with two empty magazines were recovered from the scene.

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Preliminary indicators suggest that the deceased suspect may have been a member of the gang responsible for attacking commuters on July 1, an incident that left a former Secretary to the Benue State Government with a gunshot injury.

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Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, praised the troops for their resilience and professionalism, urging them to continue conducting aggressive operations against criminal elements throughout the Joint Operations Area.

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He also commended other security agencies for their ongoing collaboration and intelligence sharing, emphasising the importance of inter-agency cooperation in restoring lasting peace and security to the region.

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The commander encouraged the public to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

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Operation WHIRL STROKE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens, with the commander urging the public to maintain their support for the operation by providing valuable information to security agencies.