Taraba State’s ongoing campaign against arms trafficking has recorded fresh success following an intelligence-led operation by troops of the 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE.
The operation resulted in the arrest of suspected gun runners and the recovery of arms and ammunition, the Brigade said.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Brigade’s Acting Spokesperson, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, disclosed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
According to the statement, the recent operation followed the earlier arrest of two suspected gun runners, identified as Mr. Christopher Adamu and Mr. James Yangyang. The suspects were arrested on January 11 and 12, 2026, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo Local Government Area, and at Tautre Village in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, respectively.
The Brigade said the arrests were the result of sustained surveillance and careful operational planning aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons. It further noted that the success was made possible through credible intelligence provided by members of the public.
Acting on additional intelligence, troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 later carried out a coordinated cordon-and-search operation at Murubai Village in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area. During the operation, one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and four rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the residence of suspected arms trafficker Mr. Bazoe John, who is currently at large.
The military described the operation as professionally executed, noting that it was conducted with precision and restraint and concluded without casualties or any untoward incident.
The statement added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover more weapons as part of measures to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Brigade Commander, commended the troops for their courage, dedication, and professionalism.
He said the success highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s determination to curb arms proliferation and other criminal activities in the state.
He urged the troops to sustain the momentum while maintaining high standards of discipline and respect for civil authority. The commander added that the operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army and Operation WHIRL STROKE’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring peace and stability in Taraba State and its environs.
He also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen collective security efforts.