Troops from Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE have notched another key victory in their campaign to eliminate terrorists and bandits from Benue State.

Ahmed Zubairu spokesperson of JTF  Operation WHIRL STROKE in a statement on Monday said, the success came during a joint confidence-building and combat patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road.

Spurred by reliable intelligence from local residents, the troops teamed up with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard and rushed to the hotspot.

They engaged suspected bandits on sight, neutralizing two terrorists while the rest fled into nearby bushland, likely wounded.

A sweep of the area yielded one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and a discarded pair of green camouflage uniforms.

Operation WHIRL STROKE Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops’ bravery, professionalism, and rapid action.

“Their proactive stance and dedication are driving real progress against terrorism and banditry,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Gara thanked local communities for their vital intelligence tips and urged continued partnership with security forces.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on troops to strengthen ties with other agencies and stakeholders for lasting peace in the Joint Operations Area.