Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested two suspected gun runners during an intelligence-driven operation in Taraba State.
The arrests were carried out by soldiers of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, according to a statement shared by the Nigerian Army on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.
The first suspect, identified as Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer,” was arrested on January 11, 2026, at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dasa area of Jalingo Local Government Area.
The Army said the 48-year-old suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence linking him to illegal arms trafficking.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was actively involved in gun running activities within the area,” the Army stated.
Items recovered from Adamu during the arrest included a hunter’s identification card, two Automated Teller Machine cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, rings, a hand band and assorted charms.
During interrogation, Adamu reportedly confessed to working with an accomplice identified simply as “Chmn,” said to be from Shomo Gari in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Acting on information obtained from the suspect, troops later arrested a second suspect, James Yangyang, aged 37, at Tautre Village on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.
Further investigations, according to the Army, revealed that Adamu had allegedly sold an AK-47 rifle to one Bazoe John of Murbai Village in Ardo Kola LGA in November 2025, suggesting the existence of an arms supply network operating in the area.
Both suspects are currently in military custody and are expected to be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
Commenting on the development, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops and intelligence officers involved in the operation.
“This operation reflects the professionalism and commitment of our troops to rid Taraba State and its environs of illegal arms dealers and other criminal elements,” Uwa said.
He warned criminals and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the Army would sustain its crackdown on arms trafficking.
“Those aiding, abetting or collaborating with criminals, whether within or outside the state, should desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law,” he added.
The brigade commander also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring them of confidentiality and swift response.
