Troops Nab Notorious Terror Kingpin, Recover Arms Cache During Intelligence-Led Operation in Taraba
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the recovery of 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 Saturday, January 4, followed actionable intelligence on the movement of an associate linked to a notorious criminal kingpin, identified as John Ngata. Acting swiftly, OPWS troops deployed from Zaki-Biam mounted a snap roadblock along the suspect’s anticipated route, leading to his interception without resistance.
Military sources disclosed that preliminary interrogation of the suspect yielded useful information, after which he guided the troops to a concealed armoury at Amadu Village in Takum LGA. 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 successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use by criminal elements, while the troops safely withdrew to their base.
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The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response and effective utilisation of intelligence, noting that the operation significantly disrupted a criminal supply chain in the area.
Major General Gara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining high troop morale through improved welfare, logistics support and enhanced operational readiness. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, describing community support as critical to the success of ongoing security operations within the Joint Operations Area.
He urged residents to continue to provide timely and actionable information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response, as OPWS remains determined to ensure peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
The Force Commander further acknowledged the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff and the sustained support of the Service Chiefs to the operations of the task force.
The development comes amid sustained military efforts to curb criminal activities and restore lasting peace in parts of Taraba and neighbouring states under the mandate of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
By PRNigeria
