Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected gun‑runner and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and cash in Taraba State, military authorities announced on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The arrest took place in Sarkin Kudu, Ibi Local Government Area during a stop‑and‑search operation.

According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, troops acting on “credible and actionable intelligence” flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja) in the early hours of the morning.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of Mr. Monday Reuben, aged 48, from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Military authorities listed the items recovered from the suspect and the vehicle as follows:

• Two AK‑47 rifles.

• 197 empty magazines.

• One box of 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds.

• Fourteen (14) packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds.

• Nineteen (19) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

• ₦2,440,000 in cash.

• A wallet with four different identification cards and four ATM cards.

• One Android phone and one Itel keypad phone.

• A power bank and eight bottles of perfume.

• One rechargeable touch light and assorted local charms.

Lieutenant Muhammad said the suspect and all recovered items are currently in custody and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their alertness and professionalism during the operation.

He urged troops to maintain operational momentum in line with directives to curb criminal elements and threats to lives and property in Taraba State.

Brigadier General Akaliro also noted that officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation will be duly recognised and rewarded in accordance with the brigade’s reward and sanction policy, the military said.

The interception and arrest form part of continued efforts by the Nigerian Army under Operation Whirl Stroke to counter illegal arms trafficking and sustain peace and security across Taraba State and neighbouring areas.