The Troops of Whirl Stroke have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnap victims in an operation in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

A statement on Friday by the acting spokesman for the operation, Ahmad Zubairu, said the troops struck terrorists’ hideout and recovered weapons in operation between 16 and 17 July, 2026.

He stated, “The operation, which commenced at about 0300 hours on 16 July and concluded on 17 July 2026, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists were operating.”

He stated that during the operation troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, killing two of them.

Mr Zubairu added that three abducted victims namely; Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA were rescued. 

According to him, other captives fled the camp during the firefight.

He noted that items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle with 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 POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.