By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have intercepted a suspected gun-runner and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Taraba State.
The arrest took place on February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area following credible intelligence aimed at curbing criminal activities and sustaining peace in the state.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with Abuja registration number RBC 798 DV. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Monday Reuben, 48, said to be from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Items recovered from the suspect included two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, a box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds, 14 packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition totalling 700 rounds, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items found in his possession were ₦2.44 million 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.
Military authorities said the suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the troops for their alertness and professionalism, urging them to sustain the operational momentum in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and threats to lives and property.
He added that the Brigade would continue to enforce its reward-and-sanction policy, assuring that officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation would be duly recognised for their dedication to duty.
