By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have foiled a terrorist attack at Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State and recovered arms and ammunition during a swift response operation.
The troops responded to a distress call on Sunday while conducting fighting and confidence-building patrols in the area, leading to a successful engagement with the attackers and the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the troops immediately mobilised to the market upon receiving information about the attack.
According to him, the troops made contact with the terrorists on arrival and engaged them decisively, preventing the attackers from carrying out their mission.
Zubairu identified the two neutralised terrorists as Dantaraba and Golozo, adding that their elimination dealt a significant blow to criminal elements operating within the area.
He said troops subsequently conducted a search of the scene and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition.
Other items recovered included an ATM card, a Moniepoint ATM card and other sundry materials believed to belong to the terrorists.
The military said the operation ensured the continued safety of traders and residents, allowing commercial and socio-economic activities at Tor Donga Yam Market to continue without disruption or fear of attack.
The Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response to the threat.
Gara said the operation prevented what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disruption of business activities in the market and surrounding communities.
He also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its collaboration with the military, describing the partnership as critical to ongoing efforts to eliminate criminality in the state.
The Force Commander further expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible information and urged residents to sustain their support for security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
