SAA event in Yooyo Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Tse-Anka Community area, Nigeria on Tue 10th March 2026

SUSTAINED INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATIONS BY OPERATION WHIRL STROKE YIELD TERRORIST NEUTRALIZATION AND ARMS RECOVERY IN BENUE

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items at Tse-Anka Community, Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State. The operation took place on 9 March 2026 when troops were conducting confidence-building patrol aimed at reassuring residents and denying criminal elements freedom of action in the area.

During the patrol, troops received credible information about activities of suspected terrorists operating within Tse-Anka community. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops mobilised to the location in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to confront the threat.

Upon arrival at the scene, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a brief but intense firefight. During the engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with possible gunshot wounds. During a search of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle, Five Rifle Magazines, Sixty-One rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, One round of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, and Nine rounds of 9mm ammunition. Other items recovered included a Bajaj motorcycle, eighty-two SIM cards, six ATM cards, and several charms suspected to be used by the criminals.

The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and collaborating security operatives for their swift response and professionalism during the operation.

Major General Gara noted that the success recorded in the operation was a reflection of the consistent operational pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. He stated that the sustained fighting patrols and intelligence-driven engagements have continued to yield positive results in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

He further reassured law abiding citizens of Operation WHIRL STROKE  commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He also commended and encouraged sustained collaboration among security agencies in line with strategic guidance from the military high command. The Force Commander also pledged to sustain aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the Joint Operation Area.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU 
Lieutenant 
Acting Media Information Officer 
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE 
09 February 2026