Army intercepts Audi vehicle, arrests suspect with 969 rounds of ammunition in Taraba

Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Taraba State.

The operation, which took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, was conducted during a stop-and-search mission at Sarkin Kudu in the Ibi Local Government Area.

According to a statement released by the brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the arrest followed credible intelligence. Troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja) for a thorough inspection.

The driver, identified as Mr. Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old male from Numan Local Government Area in Adamawa State, was taken into custody following the discovery of prohibited items.

Military authorities revealed that a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and 969 rounds of assorted ammunition. The ammunition included 250 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, 700 rounds of 9mm Parabellum, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

In addition to the weapons, troops also found 197 empty magazines, the sum of ₦2,440,000 in cash, a wallet containing four different identification cards and four ATM cards, two mobile phones, a power bank, and assorted local charms.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance. He stated that the suspect and all recovered items are in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Brig. Gen. Akaliro reiterated the brigade’s commitment to its mandate, as directed by the Chief of Army Staff, to eliminate all forms of criminality and safeguard lives and property in Taraba State. He also assured that the personnel involved in the successful operation would be recognised and rewarded for their professionalism.