Nigerian troops under Operation Whirl Stroke have killed two suspected terrorists and recovered 82 SIM cards during a security operation in Benue State, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks in the North-Central region.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the encounter occurred on March 9, 2026, while troops were conducting a patrol in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
According to him, the soldiers engaged the suspects during the patrol and overpowered them, killing two of the attackers. After the exchange, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, assorted ammunition, a motorcycle, 82 SIM cards and several Automated Teller Machine cards linked to different banks.
Onoja said the items recovered from the scene are currently being analysed as part of ongoing efforts to trace and dismantle the broader criminal network believed to be operating in the area.
He noted that Operation Whirl Stroke troops have continued to maintain sustained security operations across Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and parts of Kogi State, tackling threats such as farmer-herder clashes, banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling within the joint operations area.
The defence spokesman also revealed that troops recorded another major success in Yobe State, where more than 20 terrorists were killed during a coordinated attack.
He said that on March 11, 2026, troops of Sector 2 stationed in Goniri, Yobe State, with support from the Air Component, successfully repelled a multi-directional night assault carried out by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
During the operation, the troops killed over 20 insurgents, including a key commander identified as Abu Yusu, described as the Munzir of Dursula. Several weapons, improvised explosive devices and ammunition were also recovered from the scene, along with the bodies of the militants.
Onoja assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to sustaining the ongoing operations despite existing challenges. He said the military would continue to intensify its efforts in collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to eliminate criminal elements and restore stability in affected areas.
He added that the military high command is determined to maintain the current momentum until remaining terrorist groups and criminal gangs threatening national security are completely dismantled.
The recent gains recorded by the troops come as the military steps up operations aimed at regaining ground after suffering some setbacks in the fight against terrorist groups in recent times. The renewed offensives are part of broader efforts to curb violent attacks and improve security across troubled regions of the country.
