Troops prevent terrorist attack and recover weapons at Benue yam market

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard thwarted a terrorist attack at Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State.

During the operation, the forces apprehended two suspects and seized weapons and ammunition.

Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara announced the incident in a statement released on Sunday in Makurdi by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu.

Gara said the troops reacted quickly to a distress call while conducting patrols aimed at fighting and building confidence around the market.

He reported that the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two suspected terrorists identified as Dantaraba and Golozo.

Items recovered from the suspects included one AK‑47 rifle, one AK‑47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9 mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card and other miscellaneous items.

The commander said the successful operation ensured the safety of traders and residents, allowing commercial activity at the yam market to continue without disruption.

He praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift response, noting that their timely intervention prevented potential heavy civilian casualties and economic disruption.

Gara also commended the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its collaboration with the military in the effort to rid the state of criminal elements.

He thanked members of the public for providing credible and timely information, urging residents to maintain their cooperation with security agencies.

“Security remains a collective responsibility, and continued public support is critical to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace across the state,” he said.