Gunrunners Nabbed as Troops Seize 444 Rounds of Ammunition in Taraba

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered 444 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Taraba State, the Nigerian Army has said.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, the suspects were apprehended on 19 March during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Wukari–Ikyaior Road in Wukari Local Government Area.

The army identified the suspects as Wisdom Soomga, 32, from Ukum in neighbouring Benue State, and Elisha Danladi, 38, from Wukari in Taraba State. They were intercepted while travelling on a motorcycle.

Troops said a search led to the recovery of 444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Other items reportedly found in their possession included ₦29,200 in cash, two mobile phones,ATM cards, charms and personal belongings, as well as the motorcycle used for transportation.

The suspects and the recovered items are now in custody, with investigations ongoing to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition.

The Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, commended the troops for their vigilance, saying the operation was in line with directives to curb criminal activity and improve security in the state.

He also urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, while assuring law-abiding citizens of the army’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.