Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have recovered high caliber rifles and grenades in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, in a raid the military said delivered a major blow against criminal networks operating in the Benue–Taraba axis.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.Ahmad Zubairu.
Zubairu said the army carried out the raid on Sunday after becoming aware of the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata.
According to the statement, the soldiers swiftly mounted a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam, Benue State, where the suspect was intercepted without resistance.
“Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu village in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State,” the statement said.
The troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four hand grenades from the hideout.
The armoury was subsequently destroyed to prevent further use, after which the troops withdrew safely to base.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, said the success of the operation underscored the value of intelligence-led military actions and cooperation with local communities.
He said the seizure had disrupted a criminal supply chain and removed lethal weapons from circulation.
Gara also assured residents of the Joint Operations Area that the task force would continue to prioritise troop welfare, logistics support and operational readiness, while urging the public to sustain the flow of credible intelligence.
He pledged confidentiality and prompt response to information provided by residents.
