The force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia, said some Benue communities were saved from terrorist attack on Thursday.
The general disclosed this is in a statement issued in the capital city of Makurdi, Benue state on Saturday.
According to Igbinowanhia, the troops were alerted of the advancement of terrorists to the communities which prompted them to proceed immediately to the communities.
He said the troops upon arrival encountered the terrorist already attacking the communities, a gun duel then ensued to repel and ward off the armed terrorists.
He also said four officers comprising of two soldiers and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel sacrificed their lives for the success of the operation. He added that two other soldiers were wounded and receiving treatment at the Nigerian Air Force hospital in Makurdi.
“On inquiry, the troops were informed that terrorists suspected to be armed herdsmen were advancing towards the town to attack it. The troops immediately mobilised and proceeded to the community which is about 15 km from their base.
The statement reads, “On arrival, the troops encountered the bandits carrying out attack on the the community and subsequently engaged the criminals in a gun duel that lasted for three hours.
“The attack was successfully repelled with the terrorists withdrawing in disarray while evacuating their dead and wounded.
“The success achieved was however at a huge cost with three of the troops paying the supreme sacrifice to prevent the killing of the inhabitants of Okokolo and the intended sacking of the community.
“In addition to the death of the two soldiers and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, two other soldiers were wounded and immediately evacuated to the Nigerian Air Force hospital in Makurdi.”
