Soldiers kill suspected kidnapper in Benue operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation in Benue State.

The operation occurred on Thursday following credible intelligence regarding suspected kidnapping activities in Jotar Village, near the Quarantine Checkpoint. Personnel were swiftly deployed from Kyado to the area.

Upon arrival, troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle. During the encounter, one suspect was neutralized, and an AK-47 rifle along with two empty magazines were recovered from the scene. Preliminary findings suggest the deceased might have been part of the gang responsible for an attack on commuters on July 1, which 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 resilience and professionalism. He urged them to maintain aggressive operations against criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area. General Gara also acknowledged the collaboration and intelligence sharing from other security agencies, highlighting inter-agency cooperation as vital for restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

Operation WHIRL STROKE reiterated its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens. The public is encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, with assurances that all intelligence will be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

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