In a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the North Central region, troops of the Nigerian military have successfully intercepted and destroyed a substantial hidden weapons arsenal linked to a notorious kingpin.
Intelligence-Led Operation Nets Suspect, Uncovers Arsenal
The breakthrough occurred on January 4, following actionable intelligence received by the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS). The intelligence pointed to the movement of a key associate of a suspected criminal kingpin, identified as John Ngata.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, soldiers established a strategic roadblock in Zaki-Biam, Benue State. It was at this checkpoint that the suspect was successfully intercepted. Military sources confirmed the arrest was made without any resistance from the individual.
From Arrest to Armoury: A Detailed Recovery
After preliminary questioning, the apprehended suspect cooperated with the troops, leading them to a concealed armoury located in Amadu village, within the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The discovery revealed a worrying stockpile of sophisticated weaponry. The items recovered from the hidden cache include:
- 13 AK-47 rifles
- 39 magazines
- 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- Four hand grenades
The military emphasized that the cache was professionally concealed, indicating a level of planning and resourcefulness by the criminal elements involved.
Preventing Future Threats: Destruction of Weapons
In a decisive move to ensure the recovered weapons could never be used to perpetrate violence or terrorize communities, the Nigerian Army announced that the entire cache was professionally destroyed on the spot after documentation.
This action underscores the military's commitment not only to seizing illegal arms but also to permanently neutralizing their threat. The operation in Takum LGA is part of the ongoing efforts by Operation Whirl Stroke to dismantle armed gangs and restore peace in Taraba, Benue, and Nasarawa states.
The successful raid highlights the critical role of community intelligence and swift military response in tackling insecurity. The connection of the weapons to John Ngata, a named criminal figure, is seen as a major step in disrupting the supply chain for gangs and kidnappers operating in the region.
