Efforts to curb the spread of illegal weapons across Taraba State took a fresh turn as Nigerian Army troops launched a carefully coordinated operation that led to the arrest of two suspected gun runners.
The move reflects growing pressure on criminal networks believed to be fueling insecurity in parts of the state.
Intelligence-Driven Operation Leads to First Arrest
According to a statement shared by the Nigerian Army on its official X page on Monday, soldiers attached to the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, worked closely with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency to carry out the arrests.
The first suspect, 48-year-old Christopher Adamu, popularly known as “Suffer,” was picked up on January 11, 2026.
His arrest took place at Sebos Joint, within the Mayo Dasa general area of Jalingo Local Government Area, following what the Army described as reliable and actionable intelligence.
Items Recovered and Early Findings
Preliminary investigations suggested that Adamu was deeply involved in illegal arms trafficking.
During his arrest, troops recovered several personal items, including a hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, rings, a hand band, and various charms.
Military sources said these discoveries strengthened suspicions about his activities and helped investigators piece together his alleged role within a wider arms supply chain.
Confession Points to an Accomplice
While being questioned, Adamu reportedly admitted that he was not acting alone.
He allegedly named an accomplice known as “Chmn,” said to be based in Shomo Gari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
This confession provided investigators with fresh leads and set the stage for a follow-up operation.
Second Suspect Tracked and Arrested
Acting swiftly on information obtained from the first arrest, troops later apprehended a second suspect, 37-year-old James Yangyang.
He was arrested at Tautre Village, located on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.
The Army said the second arrest further confirmed the existence of a coordinated arms trafficking network operating across different parts of the state.
Link to Illegal Weapon Sales
Further investigations revealed that Adamu allegedly sold an AK-47 rifle to a man identified as Bazoe John of Murbai Village in Ardo Kola Local Government Area in November 2025.
According to the Army, this transaction highlights how illegal weapons are being circulated within local communities through established supply routes.
Army Commander Issues Strong Warning
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops and intelligence officers for their professionalism and discipline.
He sent a clear warning to criminals and their collaborators, stressing that the Army would continue to pursue illegal arms dealers relentlessly.
Uwa said the brigade remains fully committed to cleansing Taraba State and surrounding areas of arms traffickers and other criminal elements.
Call for Public Support
The brigade commander also appealed to residents to support security agencies by sharing credible information.
He assured members of the public that any information provided would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon promptly, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime.
What’s Next?
Both suspects are currently being held in military custody.
The Army confirmed that once investigations are concluded, they will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks across Taraba State.
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