Troops of the Nigerian Army under 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have intercepted a suspected gun runner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Taraba State.
The interception occurred on February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area, according to a statement posted on X by the Army on Saturday. The statement was signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad.
According to the statement, the arrest followed actionable and credible intelligence, leading troops conducting a stop-and-search operation to flag down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja).
Following a thorough search of the vehicle, the suspect, identified as Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old man from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was arrested.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition, 700 rounds of 9mm Parabellum ammunition, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and ₦2.44 million in cash. Also recovered were a wallet containing multiple identification and ATM cards, two mobile phones, a power bank, eight bottles of perfume, a rechargeable torchlight and assorted local charms.
The Army said the suspect and all recovered items are currently in custody and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism. He urged them to sustain the operational tempo in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to rid Taraba State of criminal activities and threats to lives and property.
He added that officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation would be recognised and rewarded in line with the brigade’s reward and sanction policy.