Nigerian Army troops
A joint operation by the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) and the Department of State Services (DSS) has disrupted a major gunrunning syndicate in Taraba State, leading to the arrest of a suspected high-profile arms trafficker.
The operation, conducted near Ambassador Roundabout in Wukari Local Government Area, marks a significant blow to illegal arms trafficking in the region.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib from Belango Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, was apprehended during a meticulously planned raid.
According to a press statement by Umar Muhammad, Public Relations Officer for the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Shuaib is believed to be a central figure in the illicit arms trade operating across Taraba and its environs. “This arrest sends a strong message to criminals destabilizing our region,” Muhammad stated.
Security forces recovered a substantial cache of items from Shuaib, including 362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, ₦842,100 in cash, a black Jing Cheng motorcycle, a Redmi Android phone, an itel phone, two silver rings, and a First Bank ATM card. The items are being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation into the syndicate’s operations.
Shuaib is currently in custody and cooperating with authorities, providing critical information to aid further investigations and future operations. “The suspect’s cooperation is already yielding valuable leads that will help us dismantle similar networks,” a DSS operative involved in the operation revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.
Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops and DSS operatives for their successful collaboration. “Our synergy with other security agencies reflects our unwavering resolve to eliminate threats to peace in Taraba State,” Uwa said. He emphasized the military’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Uwa also called on the public to play an active role in maintaining security by sharing timely and credible information.
“The support of communities is vital to sustaining peace. We urge residents to report suspicious activities promptly,” he urged, highlighting the importance of collective vigilance.
The operation underscores the ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal arms proliferation in Taraba, a region that has faced challenges from criminal activities. As investigations continue, authorities are optimistic that Shuaib’s arrest will lead to further breakthroughs in dismantling gunrunning networks across the state.
