June 28 (THEWILL) — Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have foiled a terrorist attack on the popular Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State, neutralising two suspected attackers and recovering arms and ammunition during the operation.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu.
According to the statement, the troops were conducting fighting and confidence-building patrols around the Tor Donga Yam Market when they received a distress call indicating that armed terrorists had launched an attack on the area.
Responding swiftly, the troops engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, successfully neutralising two suspects identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, while forcing other members of the criminal group to flee.
The operation also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one damaged pistol, one pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one ATM card, one Moniepoint ATM card and other sundry items believed to belong to the suspects.
Major General Gara said the prompt intervention of the troops prevented what could have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread disruption of commercial activities at one of the state’s major agricultural markets.
He noted that the successful operation ensured the safety of traders, residents and visitors, allowing business activities at the Tor Donga Yam Market to continue without interruption despite the attempted attack.
The force commander commended the troops for demonstrating professionalism, resilience and operational effectiveness in responding to the security threat.
He also lauded the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for its continued collaboration with the military in ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and restore peace in affected communities.
Gara further expressed appreciation to residents for providing credible and timely intelligence that contributed to the success of the operation, urging members of the public to sustain their support for security agencies.
“Security remains a collective responsibility, and continued public support is critical to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace across the state,” he said.
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