Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have raided a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five persons believed to be associates of a notorious bandit in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday at Peva following credible intelligence about the hideout of the suspected bandit.
The troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with personnel of Sector 3, moved to the location after receiving the information at about 12:30am. However, the suspected bandit and other members of his group reportedly fled the area after being alerted to the advancing troops.
The troops subsequently searched the area and arrested 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, a woodland camouflage jacket and jungle hat.
Four charm vests and assorted charms were also recovered.
Zubairu said the arrests and recovery of the items had provided the security forces with “useful leads” in their efforts to identify and apprehend fleeing members of the criminal gang.
He assured residents of Taraba State and other parts of the Joint Operations Area that the troops would continue to mount pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The military spokesman also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with “timely and credible information” on suspicious activities in their communities.
