TROOPS INTERCEPT WEAPONS, GRENADES IN TARABA–BENUE BORDER AREA

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recovered high-calibre rifles and grenades in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, in a raid the military described as a significant setback for criminal networks operating along the Benue–Taraba axis.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu.

Zubairu said the operation was carried out on Sunday after troops received intelligence on the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata.

According to the statement, troops quickly established a snap checkpoint at Zaki-Biam in Benue State, where the suspect was apprehended without resistance.

“After preliminary questioning, the suspect willingly led the troops to a hidden armoury linked to the criminal network at Amadu village in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State,” the statement added.

The troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades from the hideout.

The concealed armoury was subsequently destroyed to prevent further use, after which the troops safely returned to base.

Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, said the successful operation highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven military actions and effective collaboration with local communities.

He said the seizure had cut off a key criminal supply chain and taken deadly weapons out of circulation.

Gara further assured residents within the Joint Operations Area that the task force would continue to prioritise troop welfare, logistics support and operational readiness, while calling on the public to maintain the flow of credible intelligence.

He also pledged that all information provided by residents would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.