Nigerian Army Arrests Suspected Gunrunner, Recovers Weapons in Taraba Operation
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully apprehended a suspected gunrunner and recovered a significant cache of weapons in Taraba State. The operation, which took place on February 12, 2026, was based on credible intelligence and resulted in the arrest of 48-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, disclosed the details in a statement issued on February 14, 2026. The operation was conducted in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, following actionable intelligence that prompted immediate deployment from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari.
The suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim, is a native of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State. During the operation, a thorough search led to the recovery of the following items:
- 6 PKT Machine Guns
- 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition
- Cash sum of One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira (N170,000)
- 1 Peugeot 504 vehicle
- 1 Q Seven Mobile Phone
- 7 bottles and wraps of perfume
- 2 small containers of Vaseline
Abubakar Ibrahim is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to uncover additional details about his activities and network.
Commendation and Public Appeal
Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response. He emphasized the importance of sustaining operational tempo to achieve the mandate assigned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
General Akaliro also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of local residents, whose timely and credible intelligence significantly contributed to the success of the operation. He urged the public to remain security-conscious and continue assisting security agencies with actionable information to enhance safety and stability.
Impact on Security Efforts
This successful interception has effectively denied criminal elements the opportunity to proliferate illegal weapons within Taraba State. The operation marks a significant contribution to ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and enhance public safety in the region.
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, working tirelessly to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State. This arrest underscores the military's commitment to combating arms trafficking and reducing violent crime through intelligence-driven operations.
