Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded a major breakthrough against criminal syndicates in Taraba State following an intelligence-driven operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out on January 4, 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, troops deployed from Zaki-Biam mounted a snap roadblock along a suspected route, where the suspect was intercepted without resistance.
According to military sources, preliminary interrogation led to the discovery of a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum LGA. Troops subsequently moved to the location, where they recovered a significant cache of weapons.
Items recovered include 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four hand grenades.
Following the recovery, the hidden armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use, after which the troops withdrew safely to base.
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 use of intelligence, describing the operation as a major disruption of criminal supply chains in the area.
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, noting that community support remains critical to the success of ongoing security operations.
He urged residents within the Joint Operations Area to continue to provide timely and actionable information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response.
The Force Commander further thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for strategic guidance and the Service Chiefs for their sustained support, stressing that Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.
