Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have recorded a major operational success with the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the operation was carried out on January 4, 2026, following actionable intelligence on the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata.
He said troops swiftly deployed from Zaki-Biam and established a snap roadblock along the suspect’s suspected route. The suspect was intercepted at Zaki-Biam without incident and, during preliminary interrogation, voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum LGA.
A subsequent 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 armoury was later professionally destroyed to prevent further use, after which the troops safely withdrew to base.
Commending the troops, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised their professionalism, swift response and effective use of intelligence, noting that the operation successfully disrupted a criminal supply chain and removed lethal weapons from circulation.
Major General Gara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining high troop morale through improved welfare, logistics support and operational readiness. He also thanked members of the public for their continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, describing community support as a critical factor in the ongoing fight against criminality within the Joint Operations Area.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response. He said Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
The Force Commander further expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his strategic guidance and to the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to OPWS.
