The Nigerian Army has arrested two suspected gun runners during an intelligence-driven operation in Taraba state.
In a statement on Thursday, Umar Muhammad, acting assistant director of army public relations, said the operation was conducted in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agencu (DIA).
He said Christopher Adamu was arrested on January 11 at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo local government area.
Muhammad added that James Yangyang was apprehended on January 12 at Tautre village in Ardo-Kola local government area.
He explained that the arrests followed sustained surveillance and targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal circulation of small arms within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
The army spokesperson said troops, acting on further intelligence, conducted a cordon-and-search operation at Murubai village in Ardo-Kola local government area.
He stated that the operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and four rounds of live ammunition.
According to the statement, the recovered items were found at the residence of Bazoe John, a suspected arms trafficker who is currently at large.
“The operation was executed with precision, restraint, and respect for civil authority, and was concluded successfully without casualty or incident, reflecting the high level of discipline, professionalism, and operational competence of the troops,” the statement reads.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and to recover additional weapons, as part of sustained measures to deny criminal elements freedom of action.”
Commending the troops, Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commander of 6 brigade and sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, said the outcome highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations.
Uwa urged the troops to sustain the momentum while maintaining professionalism and respect for civil authority.
He assured them of continued support from higher headquarters in the ongoing fight against arms proliferation and related crimes.