Troops of Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have intensified intelligence-driven operations across their Joint Operations Area, dislodging a suspected terrorist hideout and arresting five persons believed to be associates of a notorious bandit operating around Peva in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, following credible intelligence received by troops at about 12:30 a.m. on the location of the suspected hideout.
In a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with those of Sector 3, launched a raid on the identified location based on the intelligence.
However, the suspected terrorists were reportedly alerted by informants about the advancing troops and fled before the soldiers arrived.
The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area, leading to the arrest of five persons suspected to be associates of the fleeing terrorists.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifle magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one woodland camouflage jacket, one jungle hat, four charm vests and assorted charms.
The arrests and recovery of weapons-related items and other paraphernalia have provided security forces with additional leads that could assist ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend fleeing members of the criminal gang.
Operation WHIRL STROKE reassured residents of Taraba State and other parts of the Joint Operations Area of its determination to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored.
The task force also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that collective vigilance and cooperation remain critical to defeating criminal elements and securing communities.
