Troops Apprehend Two Suspected Gun Runners in Taraba

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested two suspected gun runners during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in Taraba State under Operation Peace Shield.

In a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo, the Army disclosed that on 11 January 2026, troops of the 6 Brigade, working alongside operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), acted on credible intelligence to trail and apprehend a suspected gun runner, Mr Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer”, aged 48.

The suspect was arrested at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dasa general area of Jalingo Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Adamu is actively involved in illegal arms trafficking.

Items recovered from him include a hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, a hand band and assorted charms.

According to the statement, the suspect confessed during interrogation to working with an accomplice identified as “Chmn” from Shomo Gari in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state.

Acting on further actionable intelligence arising from the first arrest, troops later apprehended another suspected gun runner, Mr James Yangyang, aged 37, at Tautre Village on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.

Further investigations revealed that Christopher Adamu allegedly sold an AK-47 rifle to one Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025, confirming the existence of an organised arms supply network in the area.

The Army said both suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution upon the conclusion of inquiries.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and intelligence operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and effective collaboration in disrupting criminal networks threatening peace and security in Taraba State.

He warned criminals, arms traffickers and their collaborators to desist from such activities, stressing that the Brigade would not relent in its resolve to rid the state and its environs of illegal arms dealers and other criminal elements.

“Those aiding, abetting or collaborating with criminals, whether within or outside the state, should desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law,” he said. “Our troops will continue to dominate the battlespace and decisively deal with anyone found undermining peace and security.”

The commander further urged members of the public to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring citizens of confidentiality and prompt action.