Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have arrested suspected gun runners and recovered arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Taraba State.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), followed the earlier arrest of two suspects, Mr Christopher Adamu and Mr James Yangyang, 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.
Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the arrests were the outcome of sustained surveillance and deliberate operational planning aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal proliferation of small arms.
“Building on this success and acting on credible and actionable intelligence, troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3, conducted a well-coordinated cordon and search operation at Murubai Village in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area,” Muhammad said.
He 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 at large.”
According to him, the operation was conducted “with precision, restraint, and respect for civil authority” and was concluded without any casualty or incident, reflecting “the high level of discipline, professionalism, and operational competence of the troops.”
Muhammad added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons, as part of sustained measures to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised their “courage, dedication, and professionalism.”
“The success of this operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the resolve of the Nigerian Army to decisively tackle arms proliferation and other criminal activities within our area of responsibility,” Uwa said.
He urged the troops to sustain the momentum while maintaining the highest standards of discipline and respect for civil authority, assuring them of continuous support from higher headquarters.
The Nigerian Army said the operation further reinforces the commitment of 6 Brigade and Operation WHIRL STROKE to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring lasting peace and stability in Taraba State and its environs.
Members of the public were also encouraged to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, as “collective vigilance remains vital to sustaining peace and security,” the statement added.
