OPWS Troops Smash Criminal Network in Taraba, Recover Large Arms Cache

By Dooshima Terkura ,Makurdi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded a major operational breakthrough following a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday.
According to him, the operation was carried out on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after troops received actionable intelligence on the movement of an associate linked to a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata.
Acting promptly on the intelligence, OPWS troops deployed at Zaki-Biam immediately mounted a snap roadblock along the suspected route of the suspect.
The suspect was successfully intercepted at Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State without any resistance. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a hidden armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum LGA.
Further exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.
After the successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent future use, and the troops safely withdrew to their base.
Major General Gara commended the troops for their professionalism, swift action and effective use of intelligence, which led to the disruption of a criminal supply chain and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining high troop morale through the prioritisation of welfare, logistics support and operational readiness.
The Force Commander also appreciated members of the public for their continued cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, stressing that community support remains a critical factor in the ongoing fight against criminality within the Joint Operations Area.
He urged residents to sustain the flow of timely and actionable information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response, as Operation Whirl Stroke remains determined to ensure peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
Major General Gara further expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for his strategic guidance and to the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to Operation Whirl Stroke.