Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), carried out the arrests on January 11, 2026, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The Nigerian Army has reportedly arrested two suspected gun runners in Taraba State in a coordinated intelligence-led operation under Operation Peace Shield, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks in the North-East.
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), carried out the arrests on January 11, 2026, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
According to a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the first suspect, Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer”, aged 48, was apprehended at Sebos Joint, Mayo Dasa General Area, in Jalingo Local Government Area following credible intelligence that he was involved in illegal arms trafficking.
Items recovered from Adamu during the arrest included a hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, a hand band, and assorted charms. Preliminary investigations indicated that he was actively engaged in the illicit supply of weapons.
During interrogation, Adamu reportedly confessed to operating with an accomplice identified as “Chmn”, from Shomo Gari in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Acting on further intelligence generated from the first arrest, troops later apprehended a second suspect, James Yangyang, aged 37, at Tautre Village, on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera, in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of the state.
Investigators also uncovered evidence linking Adamu to the sale of an AK-47 rifle to one Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025, confirming the existence of a wider arms supply network operating within the state.
Both suspects are currently being held in military custody for further investigation and are expected to be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution upon conclusion of preliminary inquiries.
Reacting to the operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and intelligence operatives for their professionalism, vigilance, and effective collaboration in disrupting criminal activities threatening peace in Taraba State.
He issued a stern warning to criminals and their collaborators, stressing that the Army would not relent in its mission.
“6 Brigade will not relent in its resolve to rid Taraba State and its environs of illegal arms dealers and all forms of criminal elements,” Uwa as quoted as saying.
“Those aiding, abetting, or collaborating with criminals, whether within or outside the state, should desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law. Our troops will continue to dominate the battlespace and decisively deal with anyone found undermining peace and security.”
The brigade commander also called on members of the public to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring citizens that information shared would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
The arrests come amid sustained military operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and improving security across Taraba State and neighbouring areas.