Army Kills Two Suspected Terrorists In Benue, Recovers AK-47, Others •

The Nigerian Army has neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items at Tse-Anka Community, Yooyo Council Ward of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State.

The recent operation was carried out by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), a joint task force established to combat banditry, kidnapping, and armed herdsmen attacks in the North Central region of the country.

According to a press statement signed by Acting Media Information Officer of the OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and published by the Nigerian Army via their X handle, troops reportedly received intel about the activities of suspected terrorists operating within the Tse-Anka community during their patrols.

It said that, acting swiftly on the intelligence, it mobilised to the location in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.

“Upon arrival at the scene, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a brief but intense firefight. During the engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with possible gunshot wounds.

“During a search of the area, troops recovered one AK-47, five rifle magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.

“Other items recovered included a Bajaj motorcycle, 82 SIM cards, six ATM cards, and several charms suspected to be used by the criminals,” the statement partly read.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops and collaborating security operatives for their swift response and professionalism during the operation, while noting that the success recorded was a reflection of the consistent operational pressure being mounted against criminal elements across the joint operations area.

He also reassured law-abiding citizens of Operation Whirl Stroke’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and pledged to continue to sustain aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the joint operation area.

There are growing concerns about insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region, particularly in Benue State, where violent attacks on rural communities have increased in recent years.

The violence is often linked to armed groups and suspected herders who attack farming communities, leading to deaths, displacement, and destruction of property.

Several incidents have been reported in the state.

In June 2025, gunmen attacked Yelwata in the Guma Local Government Area, killing dozens of residents and forcing many others to flee their homes.

In January 2026, suspected armed men killed five farmers in the Udeku community in Kwande, while another attack on the Abande community left a Police officer and several residents dead.

Additionally, on February 6, 2026, gunmen attacked Anwase Market in Kwande, killing 13 people and abducting several market women.

These recurring attacks have disrupted farming activities, displaced communities, and deepened the security challenges facing the North-Central region.