Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE on Thursday, September 3, dislodged a terrorist hideout and smoked out five persons believed to be associated with a notorious bandit leader operating around Peva in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday following credible intelligence received by the troops at about 12:30 a.m. concerning the hideout.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with troops of Sector 3, both under Operation WHIRL STROKE, launched a precision raid at the identified location.
However, the terrorists were apparently alerted by informants about the advancing troops and fled the area before the arrival of troops.
Undeterred, the troops conducted a thorough search of the general area, resulting in the arrest of five persons suspected to be terrorists.
During the operation, troops recovered significant items believed to have been used or kept by the criminal elements.
The recovered items included two AK-47 rifle magazines, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one woodland camouflage jacket and jungle hat, four charm vests, as well as assorted charms.
They were said to have given more useful information to the soldiers and they are expected to be prosecuted at the conclusion of the investigation.
“The arrest of the five suspects and recovery of weapons-related items and other paraphernalia have further provided the security forces with useful leads that could assist ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend fleeing members of the criminal gang,” the Nigerian Army said in a statement.
