Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have arrested five suspected associates of a notorious bandit following a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, conducted by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with personnel of Sector 3, followed credible intelligence on the activities and hideout of the suspected bandit operating in the area.
In a statement, the Command’s Media and Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the troops launched a precision raid on the identified location after receiving intelligence about the criminal elements.
According to him, the suspected terrorists were alerted to the advancing troops by informants and fled the location before the arrival of the security personnel.
“Troops conducted a thorough search of the general area, resulting in the arrest of five persons suspected to be associates of the fleeing terrorist,” Zubairu said.
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 military spokesman said the recovered items would assist ongoing investigations and efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He added that the operation demonstrated the determination of the Joint Task Force to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.
“The Joint Task Force reassures residents of Taraba State and other parts of the Joint Operations Area of its unwavering determination to maintain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored,” he said.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist troops in preventing criminal activities and apprehending fleeing suspects.
