Two Suspected Gun Runners Nabbed in Taraba Under Operation Peace Shield

By Tgnews Reporter

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested two suspected gun runners, disrupting what appears to be an active illegal arms supply network in Taraba State.

The arrests, carried out on January 11, 2026, as part of the ongoing Operation Peace Shield, mark another success in the military’s efforts to curb the proliferation of firearms fueling insecurity in the region.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops in collaboration with operatives from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) first apprehended Mr. Christopher Adamu, alias “Suffer,” aged 48, at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dasa General Area of Jalingo Local Government Area.

Items recovered from the suspect 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 confirmed his involvement in illegal arms trafficking.

Under interrogation, Adamu confessed to collaborating with an accomplice known as “Chmn” from Shomo Gari in Karim Lamido Local Government Area. This led to swift follow-up action, resulting in the arrest of the second suspect, Mr. James Yangyang, aged 37, at Tautre Village on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.

Further probes revealed that Adamu had sold an AK-47 rifle to one Mr. Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025—evidence pointing to an established arms trafficking chain operating within the state.

Both suspects are now in military custody pending thorough investigation, after which they will be transferred to relevant authorities for prosecution.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops and intelligence partners for their professionalism, vigilance, and effective collaboration in dismantling criminal networks that threaten peace in Taraba.

“The 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,” Gen. Uwa declared.

“Those aiding, abetting, or collaborating with criminals—whether within or outside the state—should desist immediately or 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.”

He called on the public to sustain support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by sharing timely, credible information, assuring confidentiality and rapid response to actionable tips.

The latest arrests come amid intensified operations under Operation Peace Shield and related efforts like Operation Whirl Stroke, which have recently seen successes including foiling kidnappings, rescuing victims, and recovering large caches of weapons in Taraba State.

Security analysts note that curbing arms proliferation remains critical to addressing banditry, communal clashes, and other threats in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.