Troops intercept crime kingpin’s wife, uncover large arms cache in Taraba–Benue axis

By James Ike

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested the wife of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Gata, and uncovered a significant arms cache during a coordinated operation in Amadu village, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters disclosed that the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect was travelling from Amadu village through Wukari and Kyado, heading towards Zaki-Biam and onward to Gboko.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sub-Sector 1A mounted a snap roadblock at Zaki-Biam, where the woman was intercepted without resistance.

Following her arrest, she reportedly led the troops to a hidden armoury belonging to her husband.

Items recovered during the operation included 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades.

The recovered weapons were subsequently destroyed to prevent their further use by criminal elements.

The source confirmed that all troops involved returned safely to base. Although the security situation in the area was described as calm, it remains unpredictable.

Civil-military relations were said to be cordial, while troops’ morale and operational readiness remain high as fighting and confidence-building patrols continue across the region.