Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover 969 Rounds of Ammunition in Taraba

Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover 969 Rounds of Ammunition in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Taraba State.

The arrest was made on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence received by the troops.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, vigilant soldiers on sentry duty intercepted an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja) and subjected it to a thorough search.

The operation led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Mr. Monday Reuben, 48, a native of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Items recovered from the suspect included two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, one box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds, 14 packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Other items found in his possession were N2,440,000 in cash, a wallet containing four identification cards and four ATM cards, one Android phone, one Itel keypad phone, a power bank, eight bottles of perfume, a rechargeable touch light and assorted local charms.

The statement said the suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commander, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism.

“This successful interception underscores the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven operations and the alertness of our soldiers on the field,” he said.

He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to restoring and sustaining peace in Taraba State.

“We remain resolute in our mandate to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property. There will be no safe haven for those who seek to undermine the peace of our communities,” Akaliro added.

The Brigade Commander further noted that the Army would continue to uphold its reward and sanction policy, assuring that officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation would be duly recognised for their dedication to duty.

Operation Whirl Stroke is a joint security operation aimed at tackling armed banditry, illegal arms trafficking and other violent crimes in parts of the North-Central and North-East regions.