SAA event in Taraba State, Takum area, Nigeria on Thu 16th July 2026

TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE STRIKE HEAVY BLOW AT TERRORIST HIDEOUT RECOVER WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION RESCUE THREE KIDNAP VICTIMS IN OFFENSIVE OPERATION 

Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in conjunction with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have neutralised two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a successful intelligence led offensive operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, which commenced at about 0300 hours on 16 July and concluded on 17 July 2026, saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists were operating.

During the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two of them. Three abducted victims namely; Mr Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA were rescued. Other captives fled the camp during the firefight.

Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle with 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, one Moniepoint POS device, two pairs of desert camouflage uniforms and two pairs of woodland camouflage uniforms.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism. He reaffirmed his determination to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and other criminal elements while also appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU 
Lieutenant 
Acting Media Information Officer 
HQ Operation WHIRL STROKE 
17 July 2026