Taraba Security Crackdown: Troops Arrest Kingpin’s Associate, Seize Rifles and Ammunition

Troops of the Joint Task Force operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded a significant breakthrough in ongoing security operations in Taraba State with the arrest of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata, and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

Global Mirror News gathered that the suspect was arrested on Monday at a Military roadblock in Takum during a routine security operation.

The arrest was confirmed by the Acting Media Information Officer of JTF OPWS Headquarters, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi.

According to the statement, preliminary interrogation of the suspect yielded actionable intelligence, leading troops to a concealed armoury operated by the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum Local Government Area.

The subsequent operation resulted in the recovery of 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.

Military sources disclosed that following the successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use by criminal elements, after which the troops safely withdrew to their base.

The Force Commander of JTF OPWS, Major-General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism, swift response, and effective utilisation of intelligence, noting that the operation disrupted a critical supply chain for criminal activities in the region.

Major-General Gara reiterated the task force’s commitment to maintaining high troop morale through enhanced welfare, logistics, and operational readiness.

He also commended members of the public for their sustained cooperation and the provision of credible intelligence, emphasising that community support remains central to the fight against criminality.

Operation Whirl Stroke, according to reports, covers Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States as part of coordinated efforts to curb insecurity across the North-Central region.