Troops Arrest Gunrunner, Seize Rifles, 969 Rounds in Taraba Operation

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have intercepted a suspected gunrunner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Taraba State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Saturday. The arrest was made on February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area.

The statement, signed by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the operation followed actionable and credible intelligence.

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According to the statement, vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja). After a thorough search, one Mr Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was arrested.

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

Other items include 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, the sum of N2,440,000, 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.

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The Army said the suspect and recovered items are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their alertness and diligence.

He urged the Brigade to maintain momentum in fulfilling the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff to rid Taraba State of criminality and threats to lives and property. He added that officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation would be recognised and rewarded for their professionalism.