Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have foiled a terrorist attack at Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State, killing two suspected terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition during a swift counter-operation.
The operation was carried out on Sunday during fighting and confidence-building patrols by Operation WHIRL STROKE troops in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
According to the military, the troops responded promptly to a distress call from the market and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. Two of the suspected terrorists, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralised during the encounter, while others reportedly fled.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, an ATM card, a Moniepoint ATM card and other miscellaneous items.
Military authorities said the successful operation prevented what could have been a major attack on traders and residents, allowing commercial activities at the busy Tor Donga Yam Market to continue without disruption.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response, describing their actions as instrumental in averting significant civilian casualties and safeguarding economic activities.
He also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its collaboration in ongoing efforts to combat criminality across the state.
Major General Gara expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information. He stressed that maintaining security remains a shared responsibility between the military and the public.
