By Ozumi Abdul
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, carried out on January 4, 2026, followed actionable intelligence on the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. Acting on the information, OPWS troops deployed from Zaki-Biam mounted a snap roadblock along the suspected route and successfully intercepted the suspect without resistance.
Military sources confided in VERITY NEWS that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect led the troops to a concealed armoury at Amadu Village in Takum LGA, allegedly used by the criminal network. A subsequent 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.
Following the recovery, the arms cache was professionally destroyed to prevent further use, after which the troops withdrew safely to base.
The Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response and effective use of intelligence, noting that the operation had disrupted a key criminal supply chain in the area.
Major General Gara reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining high troop morale through improved welfare, logistics support and operational readiness.
He also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, describing community support as vital to ongoing security efforts within the joint operations area.
He urged residents to continue to share timely and actionable information with security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response.
The Force Commander also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for strategic guidance and to the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to Operation WHIRL STROKE.
Operation WHIRL STROKE covers parts of North-Central and North-East Nigeria and is tasked with combating banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.