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6 Brigade Nigerian Army Apprehends Two Alleged Arms Traffickers in Taraba State
In a significant breakthrough, troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have successfully detained two individuals suspected of illegal arms trafficking within Taraba State’s Ardo Kola and Jalingo Local Government Areas.
Details of the Arrests and Investigation
The Nigerian Army announced the arrests in an official statement released on Monday, January 12, 2026. Acting on reliable intelligence, the military forces apprehended Mr. Christopher Adamu, also known by the alias “Suffer,” aged 48, at Sebos Joint in the Mayo Dasa General Area of Jalingo LGA. Subsequent investigations revealed his involvement in illicit arms dealings.
Confiscated items from Adamu included a hunter’s identification card, multiple ATM cards, a National Identification Card, an Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, a hand band, and various charms. During interrogation, Adamu implicated an accomplice, known as “Chmn,” residing in Shomo Gari, Karim Lamido LGA.
Second Suspect Captured Following Intelligence Leads
Building on the intelligence gathered from the first arrest, the troops, in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), detained a second suspect, Mr. James Yangyang, aged 37, at Tautre Village near Anguwan Bera in Ardo Kola LGA. Preliminary inquiries linked the suspects to a broader arms distribution network within the region.
Further investigations uncovered that Christopher Adamu had sold an AK-47 rifle to a Mr. Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025, underscoring the existence of an active illegal arms supply chain.
Military Command’s Response and Public Appeal
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the troops and intelligence operatives for their dedication and effective collaboration in dismantling criminal networks that jeopardize peace in Taraba State.
He issued a firm warning to all criminals, arms dealers, and their collaborators, emphasizing that the 6 Brigade remains resolute in its mission to eliminate illegal arms trafficking and related criminal activities within Taraba and neighboring areas. The Commander stressed that anyone involved in such illicit activities, whether inside or outside the state, should cease immediately or face stringent legal consequences.
Additionally, Brigadier General Uwa encouraged citizens to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring the public of confidentiality and swift action in response to their reports.
Context and Significance
This operation aligns with the broader objectives of Operation Peace Shield, aimed at enhancing security and stability in Nigeria’s northeastern regions. According to recent data from the Nigerian Security Tracker, arms trafficking remains a critical challenge fueling insurgency and criminal violence in the area. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt these illicit networks and restore peace.
