Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have neutralized a suspected member of the terrorist gang responsible for the attack that led to the death of former Benue State Secretary to the Government, Prof. David Salifu.
The development follows ongoing military operations aimed at curbing criminal activities in Benue State and its environs.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Ahmad Zubairu, the suspect was killed during a gun duel with troops in Jotar village, located in Ukum Local Government Area.
Zubairu explained that the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement and activities of armed criminals in the area. Upon receiving the information, security personnel were swiftly deployed to Kyado to prevent a potential attack.
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“On arrival, troops engaged the armed kidnappers in a fierce exchange of fire. During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralized,” the statement read.
The operation also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.
The military noted that preliminary findings suggest the neutralized suspect may have been part of the gang involved in the July 1, 2026 attack on commuters, during which Prof. Salifu sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
The OPWS reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of operation within its jurisdiction and ensuring the safety of residents.
Security operations in the region are expected to continue as authorities intensify efforts to track down and dismantle remaining members of the gang.
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