Taraba

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted a suspected gun-runner and recovered a large cache of ammunition in Taraba State. The operation took place on 21 February 2026 during a stop-and-search exercise at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area.

According to the Army, the arrest followed actionable and credible intelligence. Vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja). A thorough search of the car led to the arrest of Mr. Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old man from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Items recovered from the suspect include:

Two AK-47 rifles

One hundred and ninety-seven empty magazines

One box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds

Fourteen packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition totaling 700 rounds

Nineteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition

₦2,440,000 in cash

One wallet with four identification cards and four ATM cards

One Android phone and one Itel keypad phone

One power bank

Eight bottles of perfume

One rechargeable touch light

Assorted local charms


All recovered items and the suspect are now in custody and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their alertness and diligence. He said, “The Brigade must maintain the tempo as it strives to fulfill the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff, which is to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.”

He added that the Brigade will continue to implement its reward and sanction policy, noting that officers and soldiers involved in the operation “will be duly recognized and rewarded for their professionalism and commitment to duty.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested a suspected gunrunner during an intelligence-led operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation took place on February 12, 2026, after security forces received credible intelligence. Troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari acted promptly and apprehended the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim, who hails from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security personnel carried out a detailed search during the mission. The exercise led to the recovery of six PKT machine guns, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cash sum of ₦170,000. Officers also recovered a Peugeot 504 vehicle, a Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles and wraps of perfume, as well as two small containers of Vaseline.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

Authorities said the interception prevented illegal weapons from getting into the hands of criminal elements. They added that the development supports ongoing efforts to address insecurity and strengthen public safety in the state.

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, praised the troops for their vigilance and professionalism. He urged them to maintain the momentum in line with the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff. He also commended residents for providing useful intelligence that aided the operation’s success.

“The Brigade remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State,” he stated.