Troops Intercept Suspected Gun Runner, Seize 969 Rounds of Ammunition in Taraba

• Troops Intercept Suspected Gun Runner, Seize 969 Rounds of Ammunition in Taraba
• Items reportedly recovered from the vehicle include two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, a box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds
• Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro commended the troops for what he described as their vigilance and professionalism

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have intercepted a suspected gun runner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Taraba State.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the arrest was made on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area following intelligence reports received by the troops.

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In a statement issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the soldiers on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja). A search of the vehicle led to the arrest of a 48-year-old suspect identified as Monday Reuben from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Items reportedly recovered from the vehicle include two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, a box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds, 14 packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Security operatives also recovered ₦2,440,000 in cash, four identification cards, four ATM cards, an Android phone, an Itel keypad phone, a power bank, eight bottles of perfume, a rechargeable touch light and what were described as assorted local charms.

Military authorities said the suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for what he described as their vigilance and professionalism.

He said the interception highlights the role of intelligence-driven operations in curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to tackling criminal activity in Taraba State.

Operation Whirl Stroke is a military security initiative deployed in parts of central and north-eastern Nigeria to address banditry, armed violence and other security threats.