Makurdi: Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested an associate of notorious criminal kingpin John Ngata in Takum, Taraba State.
Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS Headquarters, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday.
He said the suspect was apprehended at a roadblock and, during interrogation, led troops to a hidden armoury in Amadu Village, Takum Local Government Area.
The operation yielded a major cache of arms, including 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades. The armoury was subsequently destroyed to prevent further use, and troops safely withdrew to base.
Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, noting that the operation disrupted a criminal supply chain and neutralised a significant stockpile of lethal weapons. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining troop morale through welfare, logistics, and operational readiness.
Gara also praised the public for providing credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against criminality. Operation Whirl Stroke continues to cover Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.