Two feared killed as troops foil terrorists’ attack in Benue

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have foiled a terrorist attack on Tor Donga community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, killing two suspected terrorists during a gun battle.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other items from the slain suspects.

The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Makurdi on Sunday.

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According to the statement, the troops responded swiftly to intelligence reports of an impending attack on the community.

“On arrival, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them decisively. During the encounter, two terrorists, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralised,” the statement said.

Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card, and other sundry items.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and swift response, noting that their actions prevented what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disruption of commercial activities.

He also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its cooperation and commitment to ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Major General Gara further appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to sustain their support for security agencies, while stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.