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Troops Neutralise Terrorist, Recover Weapon and Motorcycle in Benue Offensive 

By Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and a motorcycle during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 5 by troops of Sector 1 deployed at Zaki-Biam, following sustained efforts to rid the area of armed criminal elements.

The sources said the troops conducted an offensive operation in the Gbede general area, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.

During the ensuing firefight, one of the terrorists was neutralised, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing suspects and, during exploitation of the area, recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one motorcycle and other sundry items believed to have been used by the criminals.

Military sources said the recovered items are in the custody of the troops, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the Ukum axis.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation WHIRL STROKE to dismantle terrorist and armed criminal networks threatening communities across Benue State.