Troops Rescue Three, Kill Two Terrorists in Benue

Banue, Nigeria 🇳🇬 17 July, 2026

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

The military operation began at about 3:00 a.m. on 16 July and ended on 17 July 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected terrorists operating from a hideout around Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp. The troops advanced through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State before launching the assault.

On reaching the terrorists' location, the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce exchange of gunfire, killing two suspected terrorists. Several others escaped into nearby bushes under pressure from the advancing troops.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 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 three are residents of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. According to the military, other captives also managed to flee the camp during the firefight.

A search of the terrorists' hideout led to the recovery of 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, one Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (POS) device, as well as two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the resolve of Operation WHIRL STROKE to intensify operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. He also thanked sister security agencies and local communities for their continued cooperation, describing their support as critical to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the region.

The statement was signed by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, on 17 July 2026.