Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a suspected gunrunner and recovered a large cache of ammunition during an operation in Taraba State.
The operation was carried out by soldiers of 6 Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke. It took place on February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area.
In a statement released by the Army and signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the arrest followed credible intelligence reports. Troops on duty intercepted an Audi vehicle with Abuja registration number RBC 798 DV during a stop-and-search exercise.
The suspect, identified as Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old man from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was taken into custody after a thorough search of the vehicle.
According to the statement, “In continued efforts to stamp out criminal activities and sustain peace in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on 21 February 2026, successfully intercepted and arrested a suspected gun-runner during a stop-and-search operation at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.”
The Army noted that the success of the mission was based on “actionable and credible intelligence.”
Items recovered from the suspect include two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition. The haul also contained cash amounting to ₦2.44 million, mobile phones, identification and ATM cards, as well as other personal items and local charms.
Providing details, the statement read, “Two (2) AK-47 rifles; One hundred and ninety-seven (197) empty magazines; One (1) box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds; Fourteen (14) packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds; Nineteen (19) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition; The sum of Two Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (₦2,440,000); One wallet containing four different identification cards and four ATM cards; One Android phone and one Itel keypad phone; One power bank; Eight (8) bottles of perfume; One rechargeable touch light; Assorted local charms.”
The Army confirmed that “The suspect and all recovered items are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.”
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, praised the troops for their vigilance and commitment to duty.
He stressed that the “Brigade must maintain the tempo as it strives to fulfil the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.”
He added that “The Brigade will continue to uphold its reward and sanction policy. Officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation will be duly recognised and rewarded for their professionalism and commitment to duty.”
