Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered 444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a routine stop-and-search operation in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspects were apprehended by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari along the Wukari–Ikyaior Road on 19 March 2026.
In a press statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the operation led to the interception of two suspects who were riding on a motorcycle.
He identified the suspects as Mr. Wisdom Soomga, 32, from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, and Mr. Elisha Danladi, 38, a native of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to him, a thorough search conducted on the suspects resulted in the recovery of 444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered from the suspects included ₦29,200 in cash, two mobile phones, ATM cards, charms, personal belongings, and the motorcycle used for transportation.
Lieutenant Muhammad said both suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response.
He said the operation was in line with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff to decisively eliminate criminal elements and strengthen security across Taraba State.
Akaliro urged the troops to sustain the momentum and remain resolute in ongoing efforts to rid the area of all forms of criminality.
He also assured law-abiding residents of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious activities.
The brigade commander further reiterated his commitment to a robust reward and disciplinary system, stressing that officers and soldiers who display professionalism, dedication, and courage during operations would be duly recognised and rewarded.
