Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, have apprehended suspected gun runners and recovered weapons and ammunition during operations in Taraba State.
The operation, carried out alongside operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, followed the earlier arrest of two suspected gun runners, Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang.
The suspects were arrested at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo Local Government Area, and Tautre Village in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area on January 11 and 12, 2026, respectively.
According to military sources, the arrests were the result of sustained surveillance and carefully planned operations designed to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal spread of small arms within the Area of Responsibility.
Building on this breakthrough and acting on credible and actionable intelligence, troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3, launched a coordinated cordon-and-search operation at Murubai Village in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
In a press statement issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Public Relations Officer of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, it was disclosed that during the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and four rounds of live ammunition from the residence of Mr. Bazoe John, a suspected arms trafficker who is currently on the run.
The statement noted that the operation was conducted with precision, restraint, and full respect for civil authority, and it ended successfully without any casualties or incidents.
It added that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons as part of continued efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised their courage, professionalism, and dedication.
He stated that the outcome highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and reflects the determination of the Nigerian Army to decisively address arms proliferation and other criminal activities within its Area of Responsibility.
The commander urged the troops to sustain the momentum while upholding the highest standards of discipline and respect for civil authority, assuring them of continuous support from higher headquarters.
The operation further reinforces the commitment of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Operation Whirl Stroke to protecting lives and property, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Taraba State and surrounding areas.
Members of the public were also encouraged to continue assisting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that collective vigilance remains essential to sustaining peace and security.
What you should know
The Nigerian Army, through 6 Brigade under Operation Whirl Stroke, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to curb illegal arms trafficking in Taraba State.
The arrest of suspected gun runners and the recovery of weapons highlight ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks fueling insecurity in the region. Military authorities say such operations are being conducted with respect for civil authority and community safety.
Security agencies continue to call on residents to support their efforts by sharing credible information, stressing that cooperation between civilians and the military is critical to achieving long-term peace and stability.
