INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN RAID: TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE STRIKE DECISIVE BLOW AGAINST CRIMINAL SYNDICATES, RECOVER ARMS CACHE IN TARABA

Takum, Taraba State – 04 January 2026

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded a major operational success following a precision intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The operation, conducted on 04 January 2026, was launched after actionable intelligence was received regarding the movements of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops deployed at Zaki-Biam immediately established a snap roadblock along the suspected route. The suspect was successfully intercepted at Zaki-Biam without incident.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum LGA. Subsequent exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition, including:
• Thirteen AK-47 rifles
• Thirty-nine AK-47 magazines
• Six hundred and ninety rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
• Four hand grenades
Following the successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use, and the troops safely withdrew to base.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara,

commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response, and effective utilisation of intelligence. He emphasized that the operation significantly disrupted the criminal supply chain and deprived the syndicate of lethal weapons.

Major General Gara also reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining high troop morale by prioritizing welfare, logistics support, and operational readiness. He extended appreciation to members of the public for their continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, highlighting that community support remains a critical enabler in the fight against criminality within the Joint Operations Area.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security forces, assuring confidentiality and prompt response. Major General Gara affirmed that Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability, and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for strategic guidance and to the Service Chiefs for sustained support to OPWS.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU
Lieutenant
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE
04 January 2026