Troops foil attack on Benue market, kill two suspected terrorists

Two suspected terrorists were killed as Nigerian troops foiled a planned attack on the Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State during a swift response to a distress call on Sunday.

The operation, conducted by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke prevented a planned assault that could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and disrupted commercial activities at the major markets.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the troops, working in collaboration with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard were alerted while conducting fighting and confidence-building patrols in the area.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists immediately upon arrival at the scene, leading to the death of wo suspected terrorists identified as Dantaraba and Golozo were in a gun battle.

Zubairu listed items recovered from the scene to include 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, an ATM card, a Moniepoint ATM card and other sundry items from the scene.

He added that the successful operation ensured that traders and residents continued their activities without fear, allowing business at the Tor Donga Yam Market to proceed uninterrupted.

He also quoted the Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara as commending the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response, saying their actions prevented what could have resulted in heavy civilian casualties.

Gara also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its collaboration with the military in tackling criminality across the state.

The Force Command expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, urging residents to sustain their support for security agencies.

According to him, effective security requires collective responsibility and continued cooperation between communities and security forces.