Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have destroyed a suspected terrorist hideout and arrested five suspects during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the troops carried out the intelligence-led operation at about 11:00am. on August 1, targeting suspected criminal hideouts in Atombagen, Chito, Tse Kighr, Tse Anaka and Sabongida Leke communities.

Makama reported that although the suspected terrorists fled before troops arrived, security operatives continued the operation and arrested five persons at Sabongida Leke over their alleged involvement in criminal activities within the area.

“The troops also destroyed the terrorist enclave and several life-support structures believed to have been used by the criminal elements as operational bases,” the report stated.

According to Makama, the operation formed part of the military’s ongoing campaign to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and disrupt the logistics network sustaining armed groups across parts of Benue State.

Military sources, according to Makama, said the operation is part of sustained efforts under Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal groups freedom of movement across the Benue axis while intensifying pressure on their hideouts.

The report added that the five suspects remain in military custody and are expected to undergo further investigation as security agencies continue operations to identify other members of the suspected criminal network.

Troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison have uncovered and destroyed two Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, planted along the Gwoza-Wala Road in Borno State.

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This was disclosed in a post on X by a security expert, Zagazola Makama.

The explosives were discovered at about 8:50 a.m. on August 2 during routine operations between Golf Bravo and Papa 2 locations along the road.

According to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the troops immediately secured the area after detecting the devices before deploying an Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, team to the scene.

The EOD specialists successfully recovered the explosives and carried out a controlled in-situ detonation of the two IEDs.

The operation eliminated the threat without any casualties or damage.

Military sources said the operation “prevented a potential attack on security personnel and civilian road users.”

They added that “clearance and route-sanitisation operations remain ongoing across the North-East to deny terrorists the ability to emplace explosive devices on major supply routes.”

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects during a routine intelligence-led raid at a criminal black spot in Osogbo as part of its ongoing operations to combat crime across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Command spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, on Monday, the operation was conducted at about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, around the Ede Junction area during a routine raid targeting locations identified as criminal hideouts.

The police identified the suspects as Musa Taoreed, also known as “Toyo”, Musa Muritala Akinde and Muri Akinni.

The Command said the three suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine their level of involvement in alleged criminal activities.

It explained that “the arrests formed part of intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime, protecting lives and property, and maintaining law and order across Osun State.”

The police stressed that the raids are part of a long-term crime prevention strategy and would continue in different parts of the state before and after the forthcoming governorship election.

The Command also dismissed suggestions that the security operations were politically motivated, insisting that the exercises are carried out solely for public safety and crime prevention.

“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that these raids are not targeted at any individual, group, or political party. They are purely professional policing operations designed to rid the State of criminal elements,” the statement said.

The police expressed concern over attempts by some individuals and groups to attach political meanings to lawful security operations, warning that such actions could create unnecessary tension and mislead the public.

CP Gotan appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against late-night movements, suspicious gatherings and association with persons of questionable character.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station to support ongoing efforts to improve public safety.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to professionalism and neutrality, the Commissioner said all security operations are conducted without fear or favour and are guided strictly by the law and the collective interest of maintaining peace and security across Osun State.