The Defence Headquarters says its troops neutralised five terrorists in Kastina and Benue states.
It said three of them were killed by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue. The two others were killed in Kastina by another team of soldiers.
This much was revealed in a statement by Major General Benard Onyeuko, the spokesman for the military.
The statement read, “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, in a fierce battle, eliminated terrorists. On July 15, 2022, based on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a raid operation at Chito general area, Sankera Council Ward in Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, and in the process, came in contact with suspected bandits. The bandits, on sighting the advancing troops, fired in the direction of the troops. The troops responded with heavy and superior firepower and neutralised three bandits, while others escaped. The troops searched the bandits’ hideout and recovered 18 motorcycles used by the bandits to terrorise the general area.
“In another, the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI in a special operation in the early hours of July 17, 2022, conducted an operation at Palale-Jaja village in Jibia LGA of Katsina State and made contact with terrorists. The troops engaged them and neutralised two terrorists. Items recovered include two AK 47 rifles, two magazines, 16x rounds of 7.62mm special, six motorcycles, two phones, one clipper, and some packets of tramadol drug, among other items.”