By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have sustained an aggressive operational tempo in their fight against criminality, recording another significant breakthrough during a fighting and confidence-building patrol in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The troops, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Idadu, were conducting routine patrols aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action when they uncovered a concealed location suspected to be used for the illegal manufacture of locally fabricated weapons.
Upon approaching the area, the troops encountered several individuals who fled on sighting the patrol. However, one suspect, Baba Ogar, a 26-year-old (male) from Arusu village in Kokona LGA, was apprehended while attempting to evade arrest by hiding on top of a tree.
A thorough search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools and instruments believed to be used in the production of illegal weapons, the sum of ₦40,500, and a mobile phone found in the possession of the suspect.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the location served as an illegal arms manufacturing site supplying criminal elements with firearms within and beyond the area.
The arrested suspect is currently in custody, while investigations have been intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing accomplices connected to the criminal activity.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and sustained operational pressure, which culminated in the discovery of the illegal arms production facility.
He charged them to maintain the momentum and continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Gara further emphasised the critical role of public cooperation, urging residents to continue to provide timely and credible intelligence, noting that actionable information remains vital to achieving lasting security that will engender economic growth.
