Nigerian Army And DSS Smash Gun-Running Syndicate In Taraba, Recover Arms Cache.
Security forces in Nigeria have dealt a significant blow to illegal arms trafficking with the arrest of a suspected high-profile gun runner in Taraba State. Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), collaborated with operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to dismantle a gun-running syndicate in a meticulously planned operation on Wednesday, 30 July 2025.
The raid, conducted near Ambassador Roundabout in Wukari Local Government Area, led to the apprehension of 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib, a native of Belango Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area. According to a statement by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Shuaib is believed to be a key figure in an arms trafficking network operating across the region.
Items seized during the operation included 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 recovered items are under analysis as part of an ongoing investigation into the syndicate’s activities. Shuaib is currently in custody and cooperating with authorities, providing critical information to aid further investigations and future operations.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops and DSS operatives for their professionalism and coordination. “This operation demonstrates our unwavering resolve to eliminate threats to peace in Taraba State,” he said, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with other security agencies to rid the region of criminal elements. He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support security efforts.
The operation is part of broader efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms in Taraba, a region grappling with security challenges. Authorities are optimistic that Shuaib’s arrest will lead to further breakthroughs in dismantling arms trafficking networks, enhancing safety for law-abiding citizens.
This successful joint operation has been widely commended, with security experts noting its potential to disrupt criminal supply chains in the North-Central region. The public has been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to ensure sustained peace and security across Taraba State.