Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke have destroyed a suspected terrorist enclave in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, neutralising one suspect and recovering weapons during the operation.
According to Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the raid, carried out on February 9, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed elements at Kumeh Village in Katsina-Ala LGA. Acting on the report, troops mobilised to the area to intercept and dislodge the group.
On arrival, soldiers reportedly engaged the suspects in a gun battle. One of the assailants was neutralised during the exchange, while others fled under sustained military pressure. The operation led to the dismantling of the identified enclave and disruption of the group’s activities in the area.
Items recovered from the scene included one G3 rifle, one G3 magazine, one AK-47 rifle magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, and six rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition. Troops also seized a vehicular radio, a camouflage vest, and other materials. A follow-up sweep of the surrounding vicinity yielded no additional threats or suspicious items.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gara, commended the troops for what he described as courage and professionalism in the execution of their mandate. He stated that personnel who distinguished themselves in the operation would be recommended for recognition in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.
Major General Gara also acknowledged the role of local residents whose timely intelligence aided the success of the mission. He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained patrols and enhanced collaboration with communities to curb insecurity and restore stability across the state.
