PHOTOS: Troops Nab Kingpin’s Wife, Seize Arms Cache in Taraba

PHOTOS: Troops Nab Kingpin’s Wife, Seize Arms Cache in Taraba

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of the wife of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata, and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect was transporting weapons from Amadu Village through Wukari, Kyado, and Zaki-Biam toward Gboko on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Troops of Sub-Sector 1A swiftly established a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam, where the suspect was successfully intercepted without resistance.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer, HQ Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, said the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village.

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A subsequent search of the location resulted in the recovery of 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recorded a major operational success following a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum LGA, Taraba State,” the statement said.

Lieutenant Zubairu added that the recovered armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use, after which 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, describing the operation as a significant blow to criminal supply networks in the area.

Major General Gara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining troop morale through improved welfare, logistics and operational readiness, while appreciating members of the public for providing credible intelligence.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, assuring them of confidentiality, as Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring peace and security across its area of responsibility.

PHOTOS: Troops Nab Kingpin’s Wife, Seize Arms Cache in Taraba