By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive intelligence-led operation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have apprehended a suspected high-profile gunrunner in Taraba State. The operation, conducted around Ambassador Roundabout in Wukari Local Government Area, marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks in the region.
The arrest was confirmed in a signed statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed. He disclosed that the suspect, 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib, hails from Belango Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area and is believed to be a key figure in a syndicate responsible for the illicit movement of arms across Taraba and neighboring states.
A cache of items was recovered from the suspect during the operation, including 362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and the sum of Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, One Hundred Naira (₦842,100). Other items include a black Jing Cheng rubber motorcycle, one Redmi Android phone, one itel phone, two silver rings, and a First Bank ATM card.
The suspect is currently in custody and is said to be cooperating with security operatives by providing valuable intelligence to aid further investigations and future operations.
Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and their DSS counterparts for the successful operation. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s resolve to work in synergy with other security agencies to flush out criminal elements endangering the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens in Taraba State.
“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Taraba State and its environs,” Brigadier General Uwa stated. He also urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preempting and neutralizing threats to public safety.
