Nigerian Army troops arrest suspected gun runner in Taraba, recover 969 rounds of ammunition, rifles and ₦2.44m during stop-and-search operation

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected gun runner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Taraba State.

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In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the Nigerian Army said the arrest was made on February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.

The statement, signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, said troops on sentry duty intercepted an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja) during a stop-and-search operation.

The suspect, identified as Monday Reuben, 48, from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was arrested after a thorough search of the vehicle.

Recovered items include two AK-47 rifles; 197 empty magazines; one box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds; fourteen packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds; 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition; ₦2,440,000 in cash; multiple identification and ATM cards; mobile phones; and assorted items.

According to the Army, the suspect and recovered exhibits are in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance, urging them to sustain operations aimed at curbing criminality in Taraba State.

He added that officers and soldiers involved in the operation would be recognised under the Brigade’s reward and sanction policy.