Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist, Recover AK-47 in Benue Anti-Kidnap Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a swift anti-kidnapping operation in Benue State.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers at Jotar Village near the Quarantine Checkpoint on July 2.
Spokesperson of OPWS said troops deployed at Kyado immediately mobilised to the area to prevent the criminals from carrying out their activities.
It said the troops made contact with the armed suspects on arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the statement, one suspected terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.
The statement added that preliminary indicators suggested the neutralised suspect might have been a member of the gang responsible for the July 1 attack on commuters in the area, during which the former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG) sustained gunshot injuries.
The Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged them to sustain aggressive fighting patrols and maintain pressure on criminal elements to deny them freedom of action throughout the Joint Operations Area.
Gara also lauded other security agencies for their continued collaboration and intelligence sharing, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to achieving lasting peace and security.
He called on all security stakeholders to remain united in the collective effort to restore peace, stability and tranquillity across the area of operation.
The force commander reaffirmed Operation WHIRL STROKE’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
