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

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, troops from the Joint Task Force's Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The operation was carried out in the early hours after receiving credible intelligence about the location. Acting Media Information Officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu informed that Sector 1 and Sector 3 troops collaborated to conduct a precision raid on the identified location.

However, the suspected terrorists managed to flee the area before the arrival of the troops, possibly due to receiving information from informants. After the raid, the troops carried out a thorough search, leading to the arrest of five individuals suspected to be associates of the fleeing bandit. During the operation, they recovered two AK-47 rifle magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a woodland camouflage jacket, a jungle hat, four charm vests, and assorted charms.

The military stated that these arrests and recoveries of weapons-related items and other paraphernalia provided valuable leads for identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal gang. Operation WHIRL STROKE emphasized its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements within its Joint Operations Area until peace and security are fully restored.

They also urged residents of Taraba State and other areas within the operational range to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation and collective vigilance are critical to dismantling criminal networks and securing communities across the region.