Nigerian troops have recorded fresh breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism and banditry, killing two suspected terrorists, rescuing 12 kidnapped victims, recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition, arresting a suspected terrorist and reclaiming dozens of rustled livestock during separate intelligence-led operations in Benue and Katsina states.
The successful operations were carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE and Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as security forces sustained pressure on criminal groups operating across the North-Central and North-West regions.
In Benue State, troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralised two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a coordinated offensive in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
According to the military, the operation commenced at about 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and concluded the following day after troops advanced through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where intelligence indicated that armed terrorists had established a hideout.
On reaching the camp, troops engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, killing two of the terrorists while forcing others to flee.
The operation also led to the rescue of three abducted victims identified as Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The military said several other captives escaped from the terrorists’ camp during the exchange of gunfire.
Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle fitted with an optic sight, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale (POS) device, as well as two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms.
Commending the troops, the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their courage, resilience and professionalism throughout the operation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating terrorists and other criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area while appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.
In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during multiple intelligence-driven operations across the state.
During a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2 rescued nine kidnapped victims comprising three women, four men and two children.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe-Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of neighbouring Zamfara State.
The victims told security personnel that they managed to escape from the terrorists’ enclave after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued by troops. They are currently in military custody pending reunification with their families.
In another operation based on credible intelligence, troops responded to reports of terrorists rustling livestock in Bakori Local Government Area.
On sighting the advancing troops, the armed men reportedly opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the soldiers and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled animals comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.
The recovered livestock have been secured by the military and will be handed over to the appropriate local authorities.
Meanwhile, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to the military, preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials believed to be linked to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further investigation.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating across the theatre.
He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated across the North-West.
The latest operations underscore the military’s continued reliance on intelligence-led offensives to dismantle terrorist enclaves, rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt criminal logistics and restore security in some of the country’s most troubled regions.
