Troops nab associate of suspected criminal kingpin, recover arms
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intercepted an associate of a suspected notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. The intelligence-led operation resulted in the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition along the Benue–Taraba axis. Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS headquarters, stated that the operation […]
Some of the recovered arms.
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intercepted an associate of a suspected notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata.
The intelligence-led operation resulted in the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition along the Benue–Taraba axis.
Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS headquarters, stated that the operation was carried out on Sunday following actionable intelligence regarding the suspect’s movements within the criminal network.
Zubairu noted that, acting on the tip-off, OPWS troops deployed at Zaki-Biam in Benue State mounted a snap roadblock where the suspect was intercepted without resistance.
He said preliminary interrogation led the suspect to reveal a concealed armoury at Amadu village in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. According to him, 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.
The media officer added that the armoury was destroyed to prevent further use by criminal elements, after which the troops withdrew safely to their base.
Commenting on the operation, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response, and effective use of intelligence, describing the breakthrough as a major step in securing the region.