Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari, have dismantled a gunrunning syndicate in the southern region of Taraba State.
According to a statement signed by Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding illicit arms activities in a settlement at Byepi village, located along Tsukundi Road in Wukari Local Government Area.
According to the Army, two suspects -55-year-old Buba Idi and a 29-year-old Isiyaka Yusufa- were arrested.
During the raid, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, and a Bajaj motorcycle.
Following their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody for preliminary investigation.
Army authorities believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to the syndicate’s operations and disrupted the supply of illegal firearms in the region.
Commending the troops for their swift and professional execution of the operation, Kingsley Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), emphasised that the bust forms part of the Brigade’s broader efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and bolster security across Taraba State.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to making the state unsafe for criminal networks and reaffirmed the military’s resolve to conduct sustained operations targeting gunrunners and other criminal elements.
Uwa also extended appreciation to residents of Taraba State for their ongoing support and cooperation, urging them to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enable effective preemptive actions against threats to peace and security.
