Troops Arrest Criminal Kingpin’s Associate, Recover 13 AK-47 Rifles

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata, in Takum, Taraba State.

The acting media information officer at the Headquarters of JTF OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, confirmed this in a statement released to newsmen yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State.

Zubairu sai the associate was arrested yesterday at a roadblock.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Zubairu said the suspect later led the troops to John Ngata armoury, where they recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, among others.

Zubairu said that “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 exploration of the location resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, comprising 13 AK-47 rifles, 39 AK-47 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.

“Following the recovery, the armoury was destroyed to prevent further use and the troops safely withdrew to base,” he said.

Zubairu said the commander of the JTF, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for the professionalism, swift response and effective utilisation of intelligence.

Gera said the action led to the disruption of a criminal supply chain and the recovery of lethal weapons.

He reiterated the commitment to sustain high troop morale by prioritising welfare, logistic support and operational readiness.

He appreciated the public for the continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, adding that community support remained a critical enabler in the ongoing fight against criminality.