Troops neutralize member of terrorist gang who gunned down former Benue SSG

A terrorist, suspected to be one of the assailants, who killed the former Secretary to the Benue State Government, SSG, Prof. David Salifu has been neutralized by troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, OPWS.

DAILY POST recalls that the former SSG died after sustaining gunshot injuries during an attack by the criminal elements.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the Acting Media Information to the OPWS task force, Ahmad Zubairu said one of the terrorists died following a gun duel in the Jotar village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The statement indicated that while acting on a credible intelligence about the activities of the criminals, troops were deployed at Kyado “immediately mobilised to the suspected location to prevent the criminals from carrying out their activities.

“On arrival, the troops made contact with the armed kidnappers, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.

“During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene.

“The recovery further underscores the determination of Operation WHIRL STROKE to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate within its Joint Operations Area.

“There are indicators that the neutralized bandit may have been part of the gang that attacked commuters on 1 July 2026 which included the former Benue State SSG who suffered a gun shot injury”, the statement added.