Troops foil arms supply chain, recover weapons in Taraba

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during an operation in Takum LGA of Taraba state.

The military said the operation was carried out on January 4, following actionable intelligence on the movement of an associate of a suspected criminal kingpin identified as John Ngata.

According to a statement by Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer of OPWS, the troops established a roadblock at Zaki-Biam, where the suspect was intercepted without resistance.

The suspect, after preliminary interrogation, reportedly led the troops to a “hidden armoury” at Amadu village in Takum LGA.

Thirteen AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four hand grenades were subsequently recorded from the location.

The military said the armoury was “professionally destroyed” after the recovery to prevent further use.

Moses Gara, force commander of OPS, commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response and effective use of intelligence.

He noted that the operation had disrupted a criminal supply chain and prevented the circulation of lethal weapons.

Gara reiterated his commitment to sustaining troop morale through improved welfare, logistics and operational readiness.

He also thanked members of the public for providing credible intelligence, describing community cooperation as critical to ongoing security operations.