Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have apprehended two individuals suspected of being involved in illegal arms trafficking during a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation in Taraba State.
The arrests were carried out under Operation Peace Shield by personnel of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency.
The operation led to the tracking and arrest of a suspected gun runner, Mr Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer,” who is 48 years old.
Adamu was arrested at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dasa General Area of Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State, following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering by security operatives.
Initial findings from investigations indicated that the suspect plays an active role in the illegal trade of firearms within the state and its surrounding areas.
Items recovered from him at the point of arrest included a hunter’s identification card, two Automated Teller Machine cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, a hand band, and various charms.
Further questioning of the suspect reportedly led to a confession, in which he disclosed that he operates alongside an accomplice known as “Chmn,” who is based in Shomo Gari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Acting on credible intelligence obtained from this confession, troops subsequently moved to apprehend another suspected gun runner, James Yangyang, aged 37. He was arrested at Tautre Village, located on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of the state.
Additional investigation revealed that Christopher Adamu had allegedly sold an AK-47 rifle to one Mr Bazoe John of Murbai Village in Ardo Kola LGA in November 2025, further confirming the presence of a structured arms supply network operating within the area.
Both suspects are presently being held in military custody for further investigation and documentation, after which they are expected to be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution in accordance with the law.
Commenting on the successful operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops and intelligence personnel for their discipline, alertness, and effective collaboration in disrupting criminal activities threatening peace in Taraba State.
The commander issued a strong warning to criminal elements, arms traffickers, and their collaborators, stressing that “6 Brigade will not relent in its resolve to rid Taraba State and its environs of illegal arms dealers and all forms of criminal elements.”
He further cautioned that “Those aiding, abetting, or collaborating with criminals, whether within or outside the state, should desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law. Our troops will continue to dominate the battlespace and decisively deal with anyone found undermining peace and security.”
Brigadier General Uwa also appealed to residents of the state to continue cooperating with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and reliable information, assuring the public that such reports would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
What you should know
Taraba State has remained a strategic focus of military operations due to security challenges linked to arms proliferation, communal conflicts, and criminal networks.
Operation Whirl Stroke was launched to curb these threats by disrupting the movement of illegal weapons and dismantling criminal supply chains. The arrest of suspected gun runners highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army and intelligence agencies to prevent the spread of illicit firearms, which often fuel violence and insecurity in rural and urban communities.
Public cooperation remains critical to sustaining these security gains.
