Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja/Taraba, Nigeria — In a significant blow to organised crime in Taraba State, the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has uncovered and destroyed a clandestine armoury linked to the notorious criminal kingpin John Gata, recovering a large cache of lethal weapons and explosives in the process.
The breakthrough operation, conducted on January 4, 2026, was the culmination of precise, actionable intelligence that led troops to intercept the suspect’s wife as she travelled through the region. Following her apprehension, she guided military forces to the concealed storage site in Amadu Village, Takum Local Government Area, where the weapons were hidden.
Security sources involved in the mission confirmed that the cache included 13 AK‑47 rifles, 38 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and four hand grenades — a haul indicative of the sophisticated firepower utilised by criminal networks in the area. The facility itself was subsequently destroyed on site to prevent its reuse by the targeted criminal organisation or other armed elements operating in the region.
Troops from Sub Sector 1A laid an effective snap roadblock at Zaki‑Biam, intercepting the suspect’s wife without incident. Upon her arrest, she directed soldiers to the armoury, allowing for a swift and decisive operation that inflicted a severe logistical setback on Gata’s network.
The operation was executed safely, with all personnel returning to base without casualties, a military source said. Although the broader security situation in the area was described as “calm but unpredictable,” officials noted that civil‑military relations remain cordial, with local communities continuing to support ongoing engagements against criminal networks.
John Gata has been identified by security officials as a high‑profile criminal figure whose activities have long undermined peace and stability in parts of southern Taraba and its environs. Previous military engagement with networks linked to Gata and his associates has led to seizures of weapons and operations targeting bandit camps and hideouts, particularly in forested and hard‑to‑access areas that serve as operational bases for these groups.
The Nigerian Army’s success in dismantling the armoury underscores the increasing emphasis on intelligence‑driven operations in the ongoing security campaign across northeastern and north‑central states, where insurgents, bandits and armed criminal groups have long exploited remote communities. Military observers said the interception of a key associate — in this case, a family member — highlights the importance of community‑generated intelligence and the value of cooperation between residents and security agencies.
By neutralising such stockpiles, the Army not only reduces the immediate threat posed by heavily armed criminal networks but also disrupts the logistical channels that sustain their operations. Recovered AK‑47 rifles and ammunition are frequently traced to violent raids, kidnappings for ransom, and other crimes that have plagued rural communities and major transport corridors alike.
While the destruction of the armoury represents a tactical victory, military officials emphasise that the broader effort to dismantle entrenched criminal networks — such as those associated with Gata — remains ongoing. The Nigerian Armed Forces have reiterated their commitment to sustained operations aimed at degrading the capacity of armed groups and restoring security across affected regions.
Residents in Takum Local Government Area and neighbouring communities welcomed news of the seizure, expressing cautious optimism that decisive action by security forces will deter future criminal activity and bring much‑needed stability to an area frequently targeted by armed elements.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to pursue further leads that could yield additional arrests and recoveries. For now, the successful interception and destruction of John Gata’s armoury stands as a notable achievement in Nigeria’s broader campaign against criminality and violent extremism.
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