Troops of 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 conducted in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 3, following credible intelligence received by the troops at about 12:30 a.m. regarding the location of the suspected criminal hideout.
Acting on the information, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with personnel of Sector 3, both under Operation Whirl Stroke, swiftly mobilised and launched a raid on the identified location.
However, the suspected terrorists reportedly received information about the advancing troops and fled the hideout before the arrival of the security forces.
Undeterred, the troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the arrest of five persons suspected to be associates of the fleeing criminal.
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 military said the arrests and recovery of the items had provided useful leads that could support ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The arrested suspects are expected to undergo further profiling and interrogation as troops intensify efforts to establish their roles and track the fleeing members of the group.
Operation Whirl Stroke assured residents across Taraba and other parts of its Joint Operations Area of continued intelligence-driven operations aimed at sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The task force also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and enhance the protection of communities. - By: Zagazola Makama
