Troops thwart terrorist attack at Benue Yam Market, neutralize two

Troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), working with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, disrupted a planned terrorist attack at Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State, killing two suspected attackers and seizing weapons and ammunition.

The incident was reported on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter‑insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

According to Makama, the troops reacted quickly to a distress call received on Sunday, during routine fighting and confidence‑building patrols near the market.

He added that the troops encountered the attackers on arrival and engaged them in a fierce firefight.

Makama identified the two neutralised suspects as Dantaraba and Golozo, while other attackers fled the scene, sustaining various injuries.

The seized items included an AK‑47 rifle, an AK‑47 magazine, a damaged pistol, a pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9 mm pistol ammunition, an ATM card, a Moniepoint ATM card, and various other items.

Makama said the troops’ prompt intervention averted potential civilian casualties and avoided disruption to commercial activity at the busy Tor Donga Yam Market.

“The operation also allowed traders and residents to continue their activities without fear of terrorist attacks,” he added.