By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have intercepted a suspected gun runner and recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and cash during a stop-and-search operation in Taraba State.
The arrest, which took place on February 21, 2026, occurred at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area following actionable and credible intelligence.
In a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, vigilant troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV bearing an Abuja plate. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old indigene of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Items recovered from the suspect include two AK-47 rifles and 197 empty magazines, as well as a substantial quantity of ammunition. The troops also recovered one box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds, 14 packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, bringing the total to 969 rounds.
In addition to the weapons and ammunition, troops recovered the sum of ₦2,440,000 in cash, a wallet containing four different 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.
The Army said 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.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the troops for their alertness and professionalism.
He emphasised the need for sustained operational momentum, noting that the Brigade remains committed to fulfilling the mandate of the Chief of Army Staff to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.
The commander further disclosed that the Brigade would uphold its reward and sanction policy, assuring that officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation would be duly recognised and rewarded for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to duty.
