Taraba gunrunners arrest as Nigerian Army troops recover 444 rounds of ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Wukari, Taraba State

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered a large cache of ammunition during a routine operation in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

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The operation, conducted on Thursday at a Forward Operating Base along the Wukari–Ikyaior road, led to the interception of the suspects while they were travelling on a motorcycle.

The Nigerian Army identified the suspects as Wisdom Soomga, 32, from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, and Elisha Danladi, 38, a resident of Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State.

According to a statement signed by the Brigade’s Acting Spokesperson, Lt Umar Mohammad, troops carried out a search on the suspects, which resulted in the recovery of 444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Other items recovered included ₦29,200 in cash, two mobile phones, ATM cards, personal belongings, charms, and the motorcycle allegedly used to transport the items.

The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine the source and intended destination of the ammunition.

Reacting to the development, Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, praised the troops for their vigilance and swift response, describing the operation as a decisive step in ongoing efforts to curb criminal activity in the region.

He reaffirmed that the operation aligns with directives from the Chief of Army Staff to strengthen internal security and eliminate armed criminal networks across Taraba State.

The commander also urged personnel to sustain operational momentum while encouraging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

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He further reiterated the Army’s commitment to rewarding professionalism and bravery among troops who distinguish themselves in the line of duty.