Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a significant cache of weapons during a targeted operation in the Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The intelligence-led raid, which occurred on February 12, 2026, resulted in the apprehension of 48-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim. Ibrahim, a native of Barkin Ladi in Plateau State, was intercepted by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari following credible reports of his activities.
During a search of the suspect and his vehicle, military personnel recovered:
Six PKT Machine Guns
Two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
One Peugeot 504 vehicle
₦170,000 in cash
One Q Seven mobile phone and personal effects
Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift response. He noted that the interception significantly disrupts the flow of illegal firearms intended to fuel insecurity within the region.
”This successful operation has denied criminal elements the opportunity to proliferate illegal weapons,” General Akaliro stated, adding that the Brigade remains committed to the mandate of the Chief of Army Staff to restore lasting peace to Taraba State.
The Commander also expressed gratitude to the local community, emphasizing that the “timely and credible intelligence” provided by residents was instrumental to the mission’s success. He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue collaborating with security agencies.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to determine the source and destination of the weaponry.
