Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have successfully uncovered a sizeable cache of weapons and ammunition in Taraba State, following an intelligence-led tactical operation that culminated in the dismantling of a suspected criminal armoury.
The operation unfolded on January 4, 2026, when soldiers acting on actionable intelligence established a snap roadblock along a major transit route in Zaki-Biam, leading to the interception of a suspect believed to be linked with a notorious criminal syndicate operating in the region.
In a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force for Operation Whirl Stroke, said the suspect, who was detained “without incident,” subsequently led the troops to a concealed arms cache in Amadu Village, 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 four hand grenades,” the statement read.
Following the recovery, the military personnel professionally destroyed the armoury to prevent the weapons from being re-used by criminal elements, before withdrawing safely to their base.
Major General Moses Gara, Force Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their responsiveness and effective utilisation of intelligence, which he said led to “a significant disruption of a criminal supply chain” in the region.
Gara reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining troop morale through adequate welfare and logistics support, underscoring that community cooperation remains vital to the ongoing efforts to root out criminals and enhance security across the Task Force’s area of operations.
He thanked residents for their continued flow of credible information, assuring them that “Operation Whirl Stroke remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability, and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility.”
The raid marks the latest in a series of security operations by the Nigerian Army in Taraba State under Operation Whirl Stroke, which has previously led to the disruption of bandit hideouts and recovery of arms and ammunition in the region, underscoring the ongoing battle against criminal networks.
Local authorities and military commanders have repeatedly urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing actionable intelligence to support security objectives aimed at restoring lasting peace in affected communities.
