Suspected gunrunner arrested as troops recover weapons in Taraba

Monday, February 16 2026 -Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner, Abubakar Ibrahim, and recovered weapons in Taraba State. 

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, who disclosed this in a statement on 14 February 2026, said the arrest of the suspect followed credible intelligence. 

“In a swift and intelligence-driven operation, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected gunrunner on 12 February 2026 in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State,” the statement read.

"The operation followed credible intelligence, prompting troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari to take immediate action. 

The troops successfully arrested a 48-year-old suspect, Mr. Abubakar Ibrahim, a native of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

"A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of the following items: 6 x PKT Machine Guns, 2 x 7.62mm Special Ammunition

Cash sum of One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira (N170,000) only, 1 x Peugeot 504 vehicle, 1 x Q Seven Mobile Phone, 7 x Bottles and wraps of perfume and 2 x Small containers of Vaseline.

"The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

“This successful interception has once again denied criminal elements the opportunity to proliferate illegal weapons within the state, thereby contributing significantly to ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and enhance public safety.”

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the vigilance, professionalism, and swift response of the troops. 

He urged them to sustain the operational tempo to ensure the Brigade achieves the mandate assigned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

He also appreciated the cooperation of local residents who provided timely and credible intelligence that significantly supported the success of the operation.

The Commander called on members of the public to remain security conscious and to continue assisting security agencies with actionable information.

“The Brigade remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State,” he stated.