Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have killed a suspected terrorist during a fierce gunfight in Jotar village near the Quarantine checkpoint in Benue State.

The operation’s spokesperson, Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the troops acted on credible intelligence about kidnapping activities in the area on July 2, 2026.

“Acting promptly on the intelligence received, troops deployed at Kyado immediately mobilised to the suspected location to prevent the criminals from carrying out their activities,” he said.

According to Mr Zubairu, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“One terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene,” he said.

He said the recovery underscores Operation Whirl Stroke’s determination to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within its Joint Operations Area.

Mr Zubairu added that the slain suspect was believed to be a member of the gang that attacked commuters on July 1, during which a former Benue State Secretary to the State Government sustained a gunshot wound.

The commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He urged them to sustain aggressive fighting patrols and maintain pressure on criminal elements to deny them freedom of action throughout the operation’s Joint Operations Area.