Army, DSS capture suspected gun runner, recover ammunition, cash

A joint operation by troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the arrest of a suspected arms dealer in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the statement, the operation was executed near Ambassador Roundabout in Wukari after security operatives received credible intelligence.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib from Belango Village in Karim Lamido LGA, is alleged to be part of an arms trafficking network active in the region.

Recovered items include 362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a single round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, ₦842,100 in cash, a black Jing Cheng rubber motorcycle, a Redmi Android phone, an itel phone, two silver rings, and a First Bank ATM card.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect is in custody and cooperating with investigators by providing intelligence to support ongoing operations.

Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their swift and professional handling of the case.

He reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to work alongside other security agencies to eliminate criminal activity in Taraba and its surrounding areas.

Brig.-Gen. Uwa further urged residents to remain alert and support security forces with credible information that will help sustain peace in the state.

The operation forms part of broader security efforts aimed at curbing the spread of illegal arms and criminal activities across the North Central and North East.