Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Ibi Local Council of Taraba State.

The arrest followed credible intelligence, which prompted troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari to take immediate action.

The troops apprehended a 48-year-old suspect, Mr Abubakar Ibrahim, a native of Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State.

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of six PKT machine guns, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a cash sum of N170,000, one Peugeot 504 vehicle, one Q Seven mobile phone, seven bottles and wraps of perfume, as well as two small containers of Vaseline.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

The Army said the interception had denied criminal elements the opportunity to proliferate illegal weapons within the state, contributing to ongoing efforts to curb insecurity and enhance public safety.

In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt Umar Muhammad, said the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig-Gen Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the vigilance, professionalism and swift response of the troops.

He urged them to sustain the operational tempo to ensure the Brigade achieves the mandate assigned by the Chief of Army Staff.

The commander also appreciated the cooperation of local residents who provided timely and credible intelligence that supported the success of the operation.

He called on members of the public to remain security conscious and continue assisting security agencies with actionable information.

“The Brigade remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State,” he said.