Army busts suspected arms dealers, seizes items in Taraba

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that preliminary investigations linked a suspect, identified as Adamu, to illegal arms trafficking within Taraba State.

According to the Army, items recovered from him included “a hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, rings, a hand band and assorted charms”.

During questioning, Adamu reportedly “confessed to working with an accomplice identified as ‘Chmn’ from Shomo Gari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area”.

Following intelligence gathered from the arrest, troops later apprehended another suspect, 37-year-old James Yangyang, at Tautre Village near Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.

The Army further revealed that investigations showed Adamu had sold “an AK-47 rifle to one Mr Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025”, suggesting the existence of an organised arms supply network in the area.

Both suspects remain in military custody and will be transferred to appropriate authorities for prosecution once investigations are completed.

Commending the operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops and intelligence officers involved.

“6 Brigade will not relent in its resolve to rid Taraba State and its environs of illegal arms dealers and all forms of criminal elements,” Uwa said.

He warned that those “aiding, abetting, or collaborating with criminals whether within or outside the state, should desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law”.

The commander also appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible information, assuring them of confidentiality and swift action.

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