In a significant intelligence-driven operation, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have intercepted the wife of a notorious criminal kingpin and uncovered a substantial hidden arsenal in Taraba State.
Swift Action Based on Credible Intelligence
Acting on actionable intelligence received on Sunday, January 4, 2026, troops were alerted to the movement of a key associate of the wanted criminal leader, John Ngata. The suspect, identified as Ngata's wife, was reportedly traveling from Amadu Village through Wukari, Kyado, and Zaki-Biam toward Gboko.
Responding promptly, troops from Sub Sector 1A deployed at Zaki-Biam established an immediate snap roadblock along the suspected route. The operation culminated in the successful and peaceful interception of the female suspect at the Zaki-Biam location.
Voluntary Disclosure Leads to Massive Arsenal
Following preliminary questioning, the arrested suspect cooperated with security forces, voluntarily leading them to a concealed armoury operated by the criminal network. This hidden stockpile was located in Amadu village, within the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The subsequent search and exploitation of the site yielded a major cache of weapons and ammunition, dealing a heavy blow to the group's operational capacity. The recovered items include:
- Thirteen (13) AK-47 rifles
- Thirty-nine (39) AK-47 magazines
- Six hundred and ninety (690) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- Four (4) hand grenades
To prevent any future use by criminals, the troops professionally destroyed the uncovered armoury before safely withdrawing to their base.
Military Leadership Commends Troops and Public
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the personnel involved for their professionalism, swift response, and effective use of intelligence. He stated that the operation successfully disrupted a critical criminal supply chain and removed lethal weapons from circulation.
In a statement confirmed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Major General Gara reiterated his commitment to maintaining high troop morale through continued focus on welfare, logistics, and operational readiness.
He also expressed profound gratitude to members of the public for their ongoing cooperation and for providing the credible intelligence that made this operation possible. The Commander emphasized that community support remains a vital component in the fight against criminality within the OPWS Joint Operations Area.
Residents were urged to continue providing timely and actionable information to security forces, with assurances of confidentiality and prompt response. Major General Gara affirmed that Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in its mandate to ensure peace, stability, and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
