Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, arresting five persons believed to be associates of a notorious bandit. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by troops at about 12:30 a.m. The Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS Headquarters JTF, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi, Benue. He said troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with those of Sector 3, both operating under OPWS, swiftly mobilised and launched a precision raid on the identified hideout. According to him, the suspected terrorists fled the location before the arrival of the troops, apparently after being alerted by informants. He said the troops subsequently conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the arrest of five persons suspected to be associates of the fleeing bandits.
Zubairu said the troops, during the operation, recovered two AK-47 rifle magazines and 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. He said that the operatives also had other items, including one woodland camouflage jacket, a jungle hat, four charm vests and assorted charms. Zubairu said the arrest and recovery of the items had provided the security forces with useful leads to apprehending other members of the criminal gang. He said OPWS would sustain intelligence-driven operations to maintain pressure on the terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across its Joint Operations Area. The acting media information officer reassured residents of Taraba and other parts of the operational area of the task force’s determination to restore law and order in the area. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security forces to aid ongoing operations.
The successful raid in Peva is a significant victory for the military's ongoing campaign against banditry and terrorism in Taraba State. The recovery of weapons and military-style equipment from the suspects suggests a well-organised network that has been operating in the area. The escape of the bandit leader, however, indicates that the network is still active and that the troops must maintain the momentum of their operations. The military's reliance on intelligence and community cooperation will be critical in tracking down the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network. For the residents of Takum and surrounding communities, the operation offers a glimmer of hope that the long arm of the law is finally closing in on the criminals who have terrorised them for too long.
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