Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during a security operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, carried out as part of ongoing military efforts to combat armed criminal groups in the North-Central region, also led to the recovery of items believed to have been used by the suspects.
According to military authorities, the troops launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of armed men operating within the area. Acting on the information, the soldiers moved to the identified location where they encountered the suspects.
The military said the operation resulted in a gun battle during which two of the suspected terrorists were neutralised, while others fled into nearby bushes with varying degrees of injuries.
During the operation, troops successfully rescued three individuals who had allegedly been abducted by the armed group. The victims were reportedly found unharmed and have since been reunited with security personnel for medical evaluation and debriefing.
Military authorities said the rescued victims would receive the necessary medical attention and psychological support before being reunited with their families.
The troops also recovered weapons and other items from the scene, although officials said investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the group’s activities and identify other members who escaped during the encounter.
The Nigerian Army described the operation as part of sustained offensives aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnapping, banditry and attacks on communities in Benue and neighbouring states.
Security officials reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements, stressing that operations would continue until those responsible for acts of violence are apprehended or neutralised.
Residents of Katsina-Ala and surrounding communities have in recent years experienced repeated attacks by armed groups, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents and growing concerns over insecurity in the area.
The latest operation is expected to boost confidence among local communities, many of whom have continued to call for increased military presence and intelligence-driven operations to curb criminal activities.
The Army urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Authorities maintained that collaboration between security agencies and local communities remains essential to sustaining recent gains in the fight against insecurity and restoring lasting peace across affected areas of the country.
