Soldiers Intercept Gunrunner, Recover Ammunition In Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) yesterday intercepted a suspected gun-runner during a stop-and-search operation at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi local government area of Taraba State and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition.

Acting assistant director army public relations of the brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, said the operation followed actionable and credible intelligence.

He said troops on sentry duty flagged down an Audi vehicle with registration number RBC 798 DV (Abuja) and upon a thorough search, one Mr. Monday Reuben, a 48-year-old male from Numan local government area of Adamawa State, was arrested.

Items recovered from the suspect include; two AK-47 rifles, 197 empty magazines, one box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition containing 250 rounds, 14 packs of 9mm Parabellum ammunition containing 700 rounds, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He added that  N2,440,000, one wallet containing four different identification cards and four ATM cards,one Android phone and one Itel keypad phone, one power bank eight bottles of perfume, one rechargeable touch light and assorted local charms were also recovered.

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

Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Micheal Akaliro, commended the troops for their alertness and diligence.

He emphasised that the brigade must maintain the tempo as it strives to fulfill the mandate given by the Chief of Army Staff, which is to rid Taraba State of all forms of criminality and threats to lives and property.

The commander further stated that the brigade would continue to uphold its reward and sanction policy. Officers and soldiers involved in the successful operation will be duly recognized and rewarded for their professionalism and commitment to duty.