Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspect was apprehended following actionable intelligence that prompted soldiers at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari to launch a swift operation.
During the raid, the troops arrested 48-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim, who hails from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A search carried out at the time of the arrest led to the recovery of six PKT machine guns, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, N170,000 in cash, a Peugeot 504 car, a Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles and wraps of perfume, and two small containers of Vaseline.
The suspect is currently being held in custody as investigations continue.
The Army said the operation prevented criminal elements from circulating illegal weapons within the state and forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and improve public safety.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Umar Muhammad, said the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, praised the troops for their alertness, professionalism, and prompt action.
He urged them to maintain the momentum in order to achieve the objectives set by the Chief of Army Staff.
The commander also expressed gratitude to local residents for providing timely and reliable intelligence that aided the success of the operation.
He called on the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.
“The Brigade remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State,” he said.
