By Joy Onu
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have rescued three kidnapped victims, killed two suspected gunmen and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during an intelligence-led offensive in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military said the offensive began at about 3 a.m. on July 16, with troops advancing through Takum in neighbouring Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where the suspected gunmen were believed to be operating.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the military said the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1 of Operation WHIRL STROKE in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard between July 16 and 17 following actionable intelligence on the activities of the suspected gunmen in the area.
According to the statement, the troops engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire, killing two of the suspects while others fled the camp.
Three kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation. They were 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 of Benue State.
The military added that some other captives escaped from the camp during the gun battle.
Items recovered during the operation 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, one Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (POS) device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience, courage and professionalism.
He also reaffirmed his determination to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and other criminal elements while appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.
