JTF Troops Recover Large Arms Cache Linked to Criminal Kingpin in Taraba

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition linked to the notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata, in the Takum Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State.

The operation, conducted on January 4, followed actionable intelligence regarding the movements of an associate of the suspected criminal. Acting swiftly, the troops established a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam in Benue State, intercepting the suspect without any resistance.

Following a preliminary interrogation, the suspect led the JTF personnel to a hidden armoury in Amadu village, Takum LGA, where they recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, including:

• 13 AK-47 rifles
• 39 AK-47 magazines
• 4 hand grenades
• 4 hand grenades

To prevent further use by the criminal network, the military professionally destroyed the facility before safely withdrawing.

Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of the JTF, highlighted the significance of the operation, noting that it successfully disrupted a criminal supply chain and prevented the circulation of lethal weapons in the Benue-Taraba border corridor, an area long affected by kidnapping, communal clashes, and armed banditry.

“The operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the JTF to safeguard lives and property in vulnerable communities,” Major General Gara said in a statement..

The Benue-Taraba corridor has historically been a hotspot for criminal activities due to its porous borders and complex terrain, which have made it easy for criminal networks to transport weapons and launch attacks. By intercepting the arms cache, the JTF has effectively strengthened security in the region and sent a clear warning to criminal elements..

Officials have stressed that continued community collaboration and timely intelligence sharing are critical in tackling such criminal networks. The JTF continues to urge residents to report suspicious movements to help maintain peace and security.

This latest success is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to ensure that communities along high-risk corridors remain protected, prevent criminal activities, and dismantle the operational networks of notorious criminals.

The operation has since attracted attention online and offline, with many Nigerians lauding the military’s proactive stance in combating crime and safeguarding vulnerable areas.