Troops arrest Taraba gun runner, recover guns, bullets
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, carried out on February 12, 2026, followed credible intelligence which prompted troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari to act swiftly. The troops apprehended a 48-year-old suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim, a native of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Items recovered during a search include six PKT machine guns, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a Peugeot 504 vehicle, a Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles and wraps of perfume, two small containers of Vaseline, and a cash sum of N170,000.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
The Army said the interception denied criminal elements the opportunity to circulate illegal weapons within the state, describing the operation as a significant boost to efforts aimed at curbing insecurity and enhancing public safety in Taraba.
Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response. He urged them to sustain the operational momentum in line with the mandate of the Chief of Army Staff.
Akaliro also appreciated residents for providing timely and credible intelligence that aided the success of the operation, calling on members of the public to remain security conscious and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
He reiterated that the Brigade remains committed to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace and stability across Taraba State.
