By Emmy Joe
TROOPS of Operation Whirl Stroke on Friday eliminated two suspected terrorists and recovered 82 SIM cards during intense security operations in Benue State as part of effort to curb the rising insecurities in the North-Central region.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, on Friday 13, March, 2026.
Onoja noted that the troops made contact with the suspects on March 9, 2026, during a patrol in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the State.
He said the troops overpowered the criminals during the gun battle, resulting to the elimination of two and recovering of AK-47 rifle, magazines, assorted ammunition, a motorcycle, 82 SIM cards, and several Automated Teller Machine cards belonging to different financial institutions.
Onoja disclosed that the recovered items were being analysed as part of ongoing efforts to unveil and dismantle the wider criminal network operating in the area.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke sustained robust security operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Kogi states, addressing security challenges including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling within the Joint Operations Area.
“On March 9, 2026, troops in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State made contact with suspected terrorists, overpowered the criminals and neutralised two of them.
“Following the encounter, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, assorted ammunition, a motorcycle, 82 SIM cards and multiple Automated Teller Machine cards belonging to different financial institutions. The recovered items are currently being examined as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the wider criminal network operating in the area,” he said.
Onoja also disclosed that troops in Yobe State killed more than 20 terrorists, including a commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.
“During the engagement, troops neutralised over 20 terrorists, including the high-value target Abu Yusu, identified as the Munzir of Dursula. Several terrorist corpses, weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and ammunition were recovered at the scene.”
He assured that the Armed Forces would continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to dismantle criminal groups and restore lasting peace in affected areas.
“The military high command assures Nigerians that despite a few challenges, ongoing operations will continue to be intensified to completely dismantle the remaining pockets of criminal and terrorist elements threatening peace and national development.
“The Armed Forces also reaffirm their commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies, local authorities and communities to sustain the momentum in restoring lasting stability across the country,” he added.
