By Micah Jonah
January 27, 2026
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing site in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, arresting one suspect, recovering locally fabricated pistols and cash.
The troops, deployed at Forward Operating Base Idadu, were on routine fighting and confidence building patrol aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action when they discovered a concealed location suspected to be used for the illegal production of firearms.
On approaching the area, several suspects reportedly fled, but one individual identified as Baba Ogar, a 26 year old male from Arusu village in Kokona Local Government Area, was arrested while attempting to evade capture by hiding on top of a tree.
A search of the site led to the recovery of six locally fabricated pistols, assorted tools believed to be used for weapon production, the sum of N45,000, and a mobile phone found in the possession of the suspect.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the location served as an illegal arms production centre supplying criminal elements within and outside the area. The suspect is currently in custody, while efforts have been intensified to track, arrest other accomplices who escaped.
According to the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and sustained operational pressure which led to the discovery of the illegal facility.
He charged the troops to maintain the tempo of operations and continue to rely on intelligence driven strategies to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Gara also called on residents to continue to provide timely, credible information, noting that public cooperation remains critical towards achieving lasting peace and security that will promote economic activities in the region.
