Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Takum, Nigeria — Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have dealt a significant blow to a criminal syndicate operating in Taraba State, recovering a substantial arms cache and disrupting the supply chain supporting armed elements in the region.
The operation, conducted on Sunday, 4 January 2026, followed actionable intelligence about the movement of an associate linked to a notorious criminal kingpin identified locally as John Ngata. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, OPWS personnel deployed from Zaki-Biam into Takum Local Government Area, where they established a snap roadblock along the suspect’s anticipated route and intercepted him without incident.
Preliminary questioning of the suspect yielded further intelligence that led troops to a concealed arms depot in Amadu Village. A thorough search of the hideout uncovered a large cache of 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades. Immediately following their recovery, the weapons and explosives were professionally destroyed on site to prevent their reuse by criminal networks or armed groups.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, rapid response and effective use of intelligence, describing the operation as a key disruption of a criminal supply chain. He emphasised that such intelligence-driven missions continue to be central to the task force’s strategy for weakening armed syndicates and restoring security in vulnerable areas.
In his remarks following the mission, Major General Gara reiterated the importance of sustained public cooperation with security forces, urging residents within the Joint Operations Area to provide timely and credible information. He assured that such cooperation is vital to ongoing efforts to maintain peace, protect lives and safeguard communities across Taraba and neighbouring states.
This latest success highlights the Nigerian military’s commitment to tackling entrenched criminal networks through coordinated operations under Operation Whirl Stroke, alongside other domestic security initiatives. By targeting both personnel and logistical infrastructure of armed groups, authorities aim to degrade their capacity to orchestrate attacks, smuggling and other forms of violent crime that have threatened stability in the region.
As investigations continue, OPWS officials have pledged to build on this momentum, maintain high operational readiness and improve collaboration with security partners and local communities to counter the persistent threat of armed criminality in the North-Central and northeastern theatres of Nigeria.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments