…the suspect reportedly cooperated with troops and led them to a hidden arms depot in Amadu Village.
TARABA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State during an intelligence-driven operation carried out on January 4, 2026.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata, according to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and posted on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle on Sunday.
Acting on the intelligence, OPWS troops swiftly mounted a snap checkpoint at Zaki-Biam, where the suspect was intercepted without resistance. During initial interrogation, the suspect reportedly cooperated with troops and led them to a hidden arms depot in Amadu Village.
A search of the location led to the recovery of thirteen AK-47 rifles, thirty-nine AK-47 magazines, six hundred and ninety rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades. The concealed armoury was subsequently destroyed in line with operational procedures, after which the troops safely returned to base.
Commending the operation, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism, rapid response and effective use of intelligence, noting that the success disrupted a key criminal supply network.
Gara reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining high morale among troops through improved welfare, logistics and sustained operational readiness. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to ongoing security efforts.
The Force Commander urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to continue sharing timely information with security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and swift action. He reiterated that Operation Whirl Stroke remains determined to ensure peace, stability and the protection of lives and property.
Gara also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for his strategic guidance and the Service Chiefs for their continued support to the operation.
