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Troops of the Operation WHIRL STROKE have killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an intelligence-driven operation in Benue State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the operation was carried out on July 2 after security agencies received credible intelligence about suspected kidnapping activities around Jotar Village near the Quarantine Checkpoint.
Troops were immediately deployed from Kyado to the area, where they reportedly came under attack from suspected kidnappers, leading to a gun battle.
During the exchange of fire, one suspected criminal was killed, while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.
The task force said preliminary findings indicate that the deceased may have been part of the gang responsible for an attack on commuters on July 1, during which a former Secretary to the Benue State Government sustained gunshot injuries.
The Force Commander, Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements across the joint operations area.
He also praised the collaboration among security agencies, describing intelligence sharing as vital to restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
Operation WHIRL STROKE appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring the public that all useful intelligence would be handled confidentially and acted upon promptly.
