Troops neutralise terrorists in swift operation in Benue — JTF
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops of Joint Task Force (Operation WHIRL STROKE), working with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, on Sunday, 28 June 2026, swiftly answered a distress call at Tor Donga Yam Market and neutralised two terrorists in a decisive engagement.
This was made known in a statement on Sunday by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE.
On arrival during routine fighting and confidence‑building patrols, the troops “made contact with the terrorists and engaged them decisively,” the JTF said.
Two suspects, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were confirmed killed during the encounter.
Following the operation, troops recovered one AK‑47 rifle, one AK‑47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9 mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card, and other sundry items.
The JTF said the successful action ensured traders and residents could continue socio‑economic activities at Tor Donga Yam Market “without disruption or fear of terrorist attacks.”
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their “professionalism, resilience and swift response,” saying their actions prevented “what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disruption of commercial activities.”
He also praised the Civil Protection Guard for their cooperation in addressing criminality in Benue State.
Gara expressed appreciation to members of the public for promptly providing credible information and urged residents to “sustain the cooperation with security agencies,” stressing that “security remains a collective responsibility,” the statement added.
