Benue: Troops dismantle terrorist hideout in Katsina-Ala, recover arms cache
Troops Dismantle Terrorist Network in Benue State
KATSINA-ALA, Benue State — Troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, dismantled a notorious terrorist network in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on Sunday, resulting in the seizure of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
The operation was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, the Acting Media Information Officer for the task force. The mission followed reliable intelligence regarding the whereabouts of a wanted gang leader and his associates, believed to be taking refuge in Mtan Village, within the Utange Council Ward.
According to Zubairu, troops quickly mobilized to the area and engaged the armed militants, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire that compelled the terrorists to abandon their stronghold.
The operation yielded significant findings, including two motorcycles linked to the bandit leader, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and various links of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Additionally, seven empty 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings were recovered from the scene.
A red Toyota vehicle located at the site was also neutralized to prevent its use in future criminal activities.
Major General Moses Gara, the Force Commander of JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the intelligence unit for its role in the operation’s success. He commended the troops for their bravery, discipline, and tactical skill throughout the mission.
Gara emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the community, urging the public to continue providing actionable intelligence. He stated, “Timely intelligence remains a critical factor in curbing terrorism and other forms of criminality within the region.”
This latest operation adds to a series of recent successes by the task force, which include the neutralization of armed bandits, arrests of suspects, and seizures of illegal weapons across the operational theater.
