Troops Intercept Notorious Criminal Kingpin's Wife, Recover Large Cache Of Arms And Ammunition In Taraba

Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke have apprehended the wife of notorious criminal kingpin John Ngata and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.

Actionable intelligence indicated the suspect’s wife was moving from Amadu Village through Wukari, Kyado, and Zaki-Biam toward Gboko on Sunday, January 4, 2025, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported. 
 
The troops of Sub Sector 1A promptly established a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam, successfully intercepting the woman. 
 
Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday said the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu village where they recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, six hundred and ninety rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and hand grenades. 
 
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded a major operational success following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum LGA, Taraba State,” the statement read. 
 
"The operation, conducted on 04 January 2026, was initiated after actionable intelligence was received regarding the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. 
 
"Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops deployed at Zaki-Biam immediately established a snap roadblock along the suspected route. The suspect was successfully intercepted at Zaki-Biam without incident. 
 
"Upon preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum Local Government Area.
 
"Subsequent exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, comprising thirteen AK-47 rifles, thirty-nine AK-47 magazines, six hundred and ninety rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and quantity four hand grenades. 
 
"Following the successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use and the troops safely withdrew to base.
 
"The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response and effective utilisation of intelligence, which culminated in the disruption of a criminal supply chain and the recovery of lethal weapons.
 
"Major General Gara reiterated his commitment to sustaining high troop morale by prioritising welfare, logistics support and operational readiness. 
 
He further appreciated members of the public for their continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, noting that community support remains a critical enabler in the ongoing fight against criminality within the Joint Operations Area.
 
"He urged residents to continue to provide timely and actionable information to security forces, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response, as Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility. 
 
“The Force Commander also expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his strategic guidance and the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to OPWS.”