Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have intensified intelligence-driven operations across the Joint Operations Area, raiding a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, and arresting five persons believed to be associates of a notorious bandit operating in the area.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the troops at about 12:30 a.m. regarding the location of the suspected bandit’s hideout, The News Chronicle reports.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with personnel of Sector 3, launched a precision raid on the identified location.
However, the suspected terrorists reportedly fled the hideout before the troops arrived, apparently after receiving information from informants about the advancing security forces.
Undeterred, the troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the arrest of five persons suspected of being associates of the fleeing bandit.
The operation also yielded the recovery of 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 are expected to provide valuable intelligence that could aid ongoing efforts to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
OPWS said it would sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area until peace and security are fully restored.
The task force also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to dismantling criminal networks and securing communities.
