Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded a major operational breakthrough following a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven raid that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The successful operation was carried out on 4 January 2026 after troops received actionable intelligence on the movement of an associate linked to a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. Acting swiftly on the information, OPWS troops deployed from Zaki-Biam established a snap roadblock along the suspected route and intercepted the suspect without resistance.
Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal syndicate at Amadu Village in Takum LGA. Subsequent exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including thirteen AK-47 rifles, thirty-nine AK-47 magazines, six hundred and ninety 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 base without incident.
Commending the operation, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their professionalism, rapid response, and effective use of intelligence, which led to the disruption of a criminal supply network and the seizure of lethal weapons.
Major General Gara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining high troop morale through improved welfare, logistics support, and operational readiness. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their continued cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, emphasising that community support remains vital to the success of ongoing security operations.
He urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to continue sharing timely and actionable information with security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response. The Force Commander further reiterated OPWS’s resolve to ensure peace, stability, and the protection of lives and property, while also acknowledging the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff and the sustained support of the Service Chiefs.
