By Helen Udo.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully foiled a terrorist attack at Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State, neutralising two suspected terrorists and recovering a cache of arms, ammunition and other items during a swift response operation.
The operation was carried out on Sunday, 28 June 2026, as troops, in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, responded to a distress call while conducting fighting and confidence-building patrols in the area.
On arrival at the market, the security forces made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The troops overpowered the attackers, neutralising two terrorists identified as Dantaraba and Golozo.
Following the successful operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card and other sundry items.
This was contained in a press statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, on 28 June 2026.
The prompt intervention by the troops ensured the safety of traders and residents, allowing commercial activities at the Tor Donga Yam Market to continue without disruption or fear of terrorist attacks.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response, noting that their actions prevented what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disruption of economic activities.
Major General Gara also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its effective collaboration with the military in ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and strengthen security across affected communities.
The operation was disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, on 28 June 2026. He also conveyed the Force Commander’s appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies as security remains a collective responsibility.
