Jalingo, Taraba State, January 7, 2026 – Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully dismantled a significant arms cache belonging to a notorious criminal kingpin during an intelligence-led operation in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The raid, conducted on January 4, 2026, resulted in the recovery of high-caliber weapons and ammunition, dealing a major blow to criminal networks operating along the Taraba-Benue border.
The operation began following credible intelligence reports about the movement of an associate connected to John Ngata (also referred to in some reports as John Gata), a high-profile criminal kingpin accused of orchestrating armed robberies, kidnappings, and militia activities in the region. Soldiers established a strategic roadblock in Zaki-Biam, located in Benue State, where they intercepted the suspect without incident or resistance.
Upon interrogation, the apprehended individual cooperated with the troops and led them to a concealed armoury hidden in Amadu village, Takum LGA, Taraba State. A thorough search of the site yielded a substantial haul of military-grade weaponry: 13 AK-47 assault rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.
Military authorities confirmed that the recovered arms were professionally destroyed on-site through controlled detonation to prevent any possibility of reuse by criminal elements. The troops subsequently returned safely to their base, with the suspect remaining in custody for further investigation.
In an official statement, the Nigerian Army described the operation as a "decisive blow" against criminal syndicates plaguing the North-Central region. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, highlighted the success in broader weekly updates on military operations, noting that such recoveries disrupt the supply chains fueling insecurity.
Operation Whirl Stroke, established in 2018, is a multi-agency security outfit comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, and other services. It was specifically mandated to tackle herdsmen-farmer clashes, banditry, kidnapping, and proliferation of small arms in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and parts of Plateau States. Over the years, OPWS has conducted numerous raids, leading to the neutralization of threats and recovery of illegal weapons.
The Takum LGA has long been a hotspot for communal violence, ethnic militancy, and cross-border criminal activities due to its proximity to Benue State and Cameroon. Conflicts between Tiv and Jukun communities, compounded by banditry and arms trafficking, have resulted in hundreds of deaths and displacements in recent years. The discovery of this cache underscores ongoing challenges with illegal arms proliferation in the region, often linked to non-state actors.
Security analysts have praised the operation for its reliance on human intelligence and swift execution, which avoided casualties. Experts note that intercepting arms at the source prevents escalation into larger attacks on communities or security forces. This recovery is part of a series of successes reported by the military in early 2026, including the neutralization of terrorists and rescue of hostages in other theatres.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has repeatedly called for enhanced federal support to combat insecurity, including better equipping of joint operations like OPWS. Local residents in Takum have expressed relief over the raid, hoping it will deter further criminal activities. Community leaders have urged sustained patrols and intelligence sharing to maintain peace.
The Nigerian Army has assured the public of its commitment to restoring security, with ongoing operations across multiple fronts. This arms recovery is expected to yield further leads on John Ngata's network, potentially leading to more arrests. Investigations are continuing to trace the origins of the weapons, which are suspected to have been smuggled across porous borders.
In a related context, the military's weekly briefing on January 6, 2026, detailed other achievements, including the killing of 25 terrorists and rescue of hostages nationwide. The OPWS success in Taraba was singled out as a "major breakthrough" in curbing arms flow to criminal elements.
Such operations highlight the persistent threat of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, a country ranked high in global illicit arms circulation indices. Advocacy groups like the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have called for stronger border controls and community engagement to stem the tide.
As Taraba and neighboring states grapple with insecurity, this raid serves as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated military efforts. Residents and stakeholders anticipate that dismantling caches like this will contribute to long-term stability in the North-Central zone.
The Nigerian Army has urged citizens to continue providing timely information on suspicious activities, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
