Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against criminality with the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to a statement on the official X account of the Nigerian Army, the success followed an intelligence-driven operation carried out on January 4, 2026, after security forces received credible information on the movement of an associate linked to a notorious criminal kingpin, identified as John Ngata.
Acting on the intelligence, OPWS troops deployed from Zaki-Biam mounted a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and successfully intercepted the suspect without resistance.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly cooperated with the troops and led them to a hidden armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu village in Takum LGA.
A search of the location led to the recovery of 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four hand grenades.
Military sources said the recovered armoury was subsequently destroyed to prevent further use, after which the troops safely returned to base.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for what he described as their professionalism, swift response and effective use of intelligence, noting that the operation dealt a significant blow to the criminal supply chain in the area.
Gara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining operational effectiveness through improved troop welfare, logistics and readiness, while also appreciating residents for providing timely and credible intelligence.
He urged members of the public to continue to support security agencies with useful information, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt action.
He stressed that Operation Whirl Stroke remains determined to ensure peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
The OPWS commander also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for their continued strategic guidance and support.
