Nigerian Army troops intercepted a suspected gun runner and seized 969 rounds of live ammunition during a security operation in Taraba State, the military said on Tuesday.
The arrest occurred on February 21, 2026, at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area. Personnel from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating as Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), conducted the stop-and-search based on credible intelligence aimed at suppressing criminal activity.
Troops flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV during routine checks. A search of the vehicle led to the arrest of the driver, identified as Mr. Monday Reuben, 48, from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
concealed within the vehicle, troops recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including:
* Two AK-47 rifles
* 197 empty magazines
* One box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition (250 rounds)
* Fourteen packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition (700 rounds)
* Nineteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
Additional items recovered included N2,440,000 in cash, four identification cards, four ATM cards, two mobile phones (one Android, one Itel keypad), a power bank, eight bottles of perfume, a rechargeable touch light, and assorted local charms.
The suspect and all confiscated items are in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commander of 6 Brigade/OPWS Sector 3, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism. He emphasized the operational imperative to maintain momentum in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and threats to lives and property. The commander also noted that the involved personnel will be recognized under the Brigade’s reward-and-sanction policy.
Operation Whirl Stroke is a dedicated military initiative targeting armed banditry, communal clashes, and other security threats in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions, including Taraba State. The seizure of a substantial volume of ammunition underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal arms trafficking networks supporting criminal activities in the region. The successful handover to police will facilitate the legal process against the suspect.
