Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, have killed two suspected terrorists and freed three kidnapped persons during a military operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, took place between July 16 and July 17, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu.

The statement explained that the offensive commenced around 3:00 a.m. on July 16 and continued until July 17 as troops moved through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists had established a base.

“The operation saw troops advance through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities located across River Yooyo at Orter Camp, where suspected terrorists were operating.

“During the operation, troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, neutralising two of them. 

Three abducted victims namely; Mr Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA were rescued,” the statement read.

The military also disclosed that several other captives escaped from the terrorists’ camp during the gun battle.

Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle fitted with an optic sight, one pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale machine, as well as two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, praised the troops for their bravery, resilience and professionalism.

“He reaffirmed his determination to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and other criminal elements while also appreciating sister security agencies and local communities for their continued support and cooperation,” the statement added.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Borno State, killing several insurgents but losing one soldier during the encounter.

The attack occurred at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area, where the insurgents attempted to overrun the military position.

According to the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attackers briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter before troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive.

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement,” Goni said.

He added that the situation had been brought under control, with additional troops deployed to reinforce the area.

“Reinforcements have been deployed, and the situation remains firmly under control,” he stated.

Meanwhile, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion have rescued two kidnap victims during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Captain Goni said the victims were evacuated to a secure location for medical attention and psychosocial support, while troops recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, alongside food items and logistics materials believed to have supported terrorist operations.

In another operation, six suspected ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion, Sector 1, OPHK.

The military said the group had fled terrorist enclaves in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide areas of the Mandara mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area. Items recovered from them included N1.54 million in cash and two mobile phones.

Troops also arrested suspected criminal elements and logistics suppliers in parts of Adamawa and Borno states, recovering weapons, ammunition, vehicles, cash and other materials linked to terrorist activities.

Meanwhile, security forces in Zamfara State rescued an abducted Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff member and recovered hundreds of rustled cattle following operations against bandits in Gummi, Talata Mafara and Gusau Local Government Areas.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations against criminal groups and urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence.

The military said the ongoing operations were part of efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistics channels and restore security across the North-East and other affected areas.

The Nigeria Police have arrested three staff members of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity for allegedly stealing ministry equipment worth more than N500 million.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Yenagoa that the arrested staff members were Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, a hairdressing instructor; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community, Sagbama LGA, a staff member; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community, Yenagoa LGA, the Head of Productivity Department in the ministry.

He said several valuable government assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other equipment, were stolen by the suspects.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a case of criminal conspiracy and stealing of government owned equipment at Ministry of Labour Empowerment and Productivity in Yenagoa, valued about (N500,000,000) following a petition reported to the Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State,” the statement said.

According to the petition, on June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 am, a team comprising staff members of the ministry and the Head of the Human Resources Management Department on an official inspection of the ministry’s equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport, Yenagoa, inspected government equipment under the custody of the department.

Upon opening the store, it was discovered that several valuable government assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other equipment, were missing.

The statement said that upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of the three suspects.

It added that the suspects, all staff members of the ministry, had confessed to the crime, while the forklift had been recovered from the receiver and was in the custody of the SCID.

The police said that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects would be charged in court.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting government property, combating economic and property-related crimes, and ensuring that all those involved in criminal activities were brought to justice.