Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted a suspected gun runner and recovered 969 rounds of ammunition during a targeted stop-and-search operation in Taraba State. The operation, conducted on Saturday, February 21, 2026, took place at Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area following actionable intelligence received by the troops. According to military sources, the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated roadside check designed to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the region. Security officials confirmed that the recovered ammunition is believed to have been destined for criminal elements operating within and beyond Taraba State. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation as investigations continue to determine the source and intended recipients of the ammunition. Strengthening counter-insurgency and anti-Banditry efforts Operation Whirl Stroke, a multi-agency security initiative, was established to address escalating security threats across Nigeria’s North-Central corridor, particularly in states such as Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba. The operation focuses on combating banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and the illicit arms trade.Taraba State, located in Nigeria’s North-East geopolitical zone, has in recent years grappled with sporadic violence linked to armed groups, communal disputes, and cross-border criminal networks. Security analysts note that the interception of nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition represents a significant disruption to potential armed attacks in the region. Military authorities reiterated their commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling supply chains that sustain armed criminal networks. They also called on residents to provide timely information to security agencies to enhance proactive interventions. Broader national security context Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and kidnapping across the North-Central and North-West regions. The interception in Taraba aligns with ongoing federal efforts to tighten border surveillance, strengthen local intelligence gathering, and improve inter-agency coordination. Reports by reputable national and international media outlets, including Premium Times, Vanguard, The Punch, and BBC News, have consistently highlighted the Nigerian military’s intensified operations against illegal arms trafficking and bandit networks in the region. Security experts argue that sustained enforcement, alongside socio-economic interventions and community engagement, remains critical to addressing the root causes of instability across affected states. As investigations proceed, the Nigerian Army has assured the public of its resolve to sustain operations aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property in Taraba State and beyond. Sources: Premium Times; Vanguard Nigeria; The Punch; BBC News.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
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