OPERATION WHIRL STROKE: JANTA, 9 others killed 

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE: JANTA, 9 others killed 

By: James Bwala

JANTA, a notorious armed militia gang leader on OPERATION WHIRL STROKE wanted list has been neutralized. 

Troops also neutralize nine others in separate encounters with bandits and terrorists within the areas of operations.

The Army said, JANTA was killed during a gun duel with troops following a distress call from Tse Mela in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina Ala Local Government Area in Benue state, North Central Nigeria.

A statement from BENARD ONYEUKO, a Major General and Director Defence Media Operations said, troops responded to the call about the criminal activities of the criminals while on fighting patrol in the area of operations.

“Own troops mobilized and moved to the location and in a subsequent gun battle with own he was neutralized.” General Bernard said.

According to him, in the last two weeks OPERATION WHIRL STROKE carried out kinetic and non-kinetic operations in its theatre. 

The General said, “Some of the areas in which the operations were conducted are; Akula, Alijo, Hillega, Ihuwakaa, Akirga, Tse Mela in Yooyo Council Ward, Tyodoo in Mayongo Council Ward of Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Kwanta Sule Village, Gbekyor in Guma Local Government Area, Tse Ogo Village in Ugbaam Council Ward, Tse Jundo in Mbamema Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area and Tse Kyegh Ugondo in Logo Local Government Area all in Benue State.” 

He also observed that the renewed intensity by troops in the fight against banditry and other criminal elements resulted in the destruction of many bandits camps in areas of operations.

According to General Bernard, troops raided the hideout of the notorious armed bandits at Tse Jundo in Mbamena Council Ward in UUkum Local Government Area of Benue State. 

“During the shootout with troops, 2 of the notorious armed one bandits Terdoo Kiorga aka APAAPA and Orkulam Mom aka ORBUTEE were neutralized. 

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“The duo have been on the wanted list of OPERATION WHIRL STROKE and are known to have unleashed mayhem on Zaki Biam and its environs in the past. 

“Furthermore, 5 AK 47 rifles, 1 pump action rifle, 1 pistol, 1 local made gun, 3 AK 47 magazines, 127 pieces of 5.56mm rounds, 6 pieces of 9mm rounds, 4 rounds of 7.62mm, 12 cartridges, 5 cell phones and assorted charms were recovered and handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions. ” He said.

Speaking on troop activities in Niger state, Major General Bernard said, troops on patrol and clearance operations encountered bandits in Kutunku, Baban Lamba Villages in Wishishi and Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State. 

“In the encounter, 7 bandits were neutralized, 3 AK 47 rifles, 5 magazines, 71 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 37 motorcycles and 10 mobile phones were recovered. ” He said

He said while the military is fighting banditry, it was also concerned about the well being of people who fled their homes as a result of the activities of bandits.

The General said troops have conducted non-kinetic operations in order to alleviate the poor living of people in the IDP Camps. 

His words: “As part of this non-kinetic operations, Force Commander of OPERATION WHIRL STROKE distributed some food, sanitary and sundry items to the internally displaced persons in Ortese, and Daudu Camps both in Benue and Keana in Nasarawa State. 

“Also, troops conducted a series of peace meetings with heads of local communities and youth leader’s to work out modalities for maintaining peace in their domain. One of such meeting was conducted at the palace of His Royal Majesty Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr Ishaku Ada Ali with heads of local communities and youth in attendance.”

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE: JANTA, 9 others killed