OPERATION WHIRL STROKE DESTROYS TERRORIST HIDEOUT, RESCUES THREE KIDNAP VICTIMS, RECOVERS CACHE OF ARMS IN BENUE

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, have recorded another operational success against armed criminal groups following an intelligence led offensive that led to the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists, the rescue of three kidnapped victims, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on 16 July and concluded on 17 July 2026. Acting on actionable intelligence, the troops advanced through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where the suspected terrorists had established a hideout.

According to Operation WHIRL STROKE, the troops came under resistance upon making contact with the armed group, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The security forces overpowered the suspects, neutralising two of them, while others fled the area.

The operation also led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims 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 disclosed that several other captives escaped from the camp during the engagement.

A post operation exploitation of the hideout resulted in the recovery of one AK 47 rifle, one G3 rifle fitted with an optic sight, one pistol, 19 AK 47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62 millimetre Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62 × 51 millimetre ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62 millimetre Tavor ammunition, one Moniepoint Point of Sale device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms, and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.

From a security standpoint, the recovery of multiple firearms, large quantities of ammunition, military style uniforms, and a Point of Sale device provides further insight into the operational structure of armed groups operating within the North Central region. The uniforms may have been intended to facilitate impersonation of security personnel or enhance mobility during attacks, while the recovery of the POS device may assist investigators in tracing financial transactions linked to ransom payments or other criminal proceeds.

The rescue of the abducted victims also illustrates the value of intelligence driven operations in addressing kidnapping, which remains one of the dominant security threats across parts of Benue State and neighbouring areas.

Commending the troops for the successful operation, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their resilience, courage, and professionalism. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area. He also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies and local communities whose cooperation continues to contribute to ongoing operational successes.

This latest operation adds to the series of coordinated military offensives intended to disrupt criminal enclaves, recover illegal weapons, rescue kidnapped victims, and restore security across the North Central region. Continued intelligence sharing between security agencies and local communities remains an important factor in sustaining these operational gains.