Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have uncovered a major arms cache belonging to a notorious Taraba-based criminal kingpin, John Gata, following the interception of his wife during a covert operation in the state.
Military sources disclosed that the operation was carried out after actionable intelligence revealed that the suspect’s wife was travelling along a route linking Amadu Village, Wukari, Kyado and Zaki-Biam, with Gboko as her final destination. Acting on the intelligence, troops of Sub-Sector 1A mounted a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam, where the woman was intercepted without any resistance.
According to a senior officer at the Army Headquarters who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the suspect later led soldiers to a concealed armoury belonging to her husband in Amadu village, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of a large cache of dangerous weapons, including 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.
Military authorities confirmed that the armoury was immediately destroyed on-site to prevent its reuse by the criminal network or other armed groups operating in the area.
The source further stated that all troops involved in the operation returned safely to base, adding that the security situation in the area remains calm. He also noted that civil-military relations within the communities continue to be cordial.
“Troops’ morale and operational readiness remain high as fighting and confidence-building patrols continue across the region,” the source said.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace across affected communities in Taraba State and beyond.
