Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a large cache of firearms and ammunition during an operation in Taraba State.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that the arrest occurred at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area following intelligence-led stop-and-search efforts.
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Sector 3, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke, intercepted a vehicle flagged down on patrol. A thorough search of the Audi, registered in Abuja, led to the apprehension of a 48-year-old man identified as Monday Reuben from Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
Authorities recovered two AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines, hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, special rounds, and over two million naira in cash. Other items seized included mobile phones, ATM cards, identification cards, assorted perfumes, a rechargeable light, and local charms.
Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, confirmed that the suspect and all recovered items are now in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for investigation.
Commander of 6 Brigade, Chukwuemeka Akaliro, praised the troops’ vigilance, emphasizing the need to maintain operational tempo in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s mandate to eliminate criminal activity in Taraba. He also assured that officers involved in the successful operation would be duly recognised and rewarded for their professionalism.
The Nigerian Army stressed that the operation demonstrates its ongoing commitment to sustaining peace and security in the state while combating the illegal circulation of weapons and ammunition.
