Troops raid terrorist hideout, arrest five suspected bandit associates in Taraba

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, arresting five persons believed to be associates of a notorious bandit operating in the area.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, following credible intelligence received by troops at about 12:30 am regarding the location of the suspected criminal hideout.

According to a statement issued by the acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with troops of Sector 3, swiftly mobilised and conducted a precision raid on the identified location.

“The suspected terrorists, however, fled the area before the arrival of the troops, apparently after receiving information from informants about the advancing security personnel,” the statement read.

The troops subsequently conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the arrest of five persons suspected to be associates of the fleeing bandit.

Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifle magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one woodland camouflage jacket and jungle hat, four charm vests and assorted charms.

“The arrests and recovery of the weapons-related items and other paraphernalia had provided useful leads that could assist ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang”, the military said.

Operation WHIRL STROKE reaffirmed its determination to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating within its Joint Operations Area until peace and security are fully restored.

The task force also urged residents of Taraba State and other parts of the operational area to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

It stressed that public cooperation and collective vigilance remained critical to efforts to dismantle criminal networks and secure communities across the region.