Nigerian troops kill suspected kidnapper, seize rifle in Benue

In a decisive operation on July 2, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, neutralized a suspected kidnapper and recovered a significant weapon in Benue State, Nigeria.

The operation was initiated following credible intelligence regarding suspected kidnapping activities in Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint. Personnel were rapidly deployed from Kyado, and upon arrival, engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.

“

During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.

During the intense encounter, one suspect was killed, and troops successfully recovered an AK-47 rifle along with two empty magazines. Preliminary findings suggest the deceased suspect may have been part of the gang responsible for an attack on commuters on July 1, an incident that resulted in a gunshot injury to a former Secretary to the Benue State Government.

Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience. He urged them to maintain aggressive operations against criminal elements throughout the Joint Operations Area. The commander also lauded the collaboration with other security agencies, highlighting inter-agency cooperation as vital for restoring lasting peace and security in the region. He encouraged the public to continue providing timely and credible information, assuring that all intelligence would be handled with confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

“

Operation WHIRL STROKE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.