Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully recovered a significant cache of arms and military equipment during a targeted operation in the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. The recovery is seen as a major setback for criminal elements operating along the volatile Benue-Taraba border region.
According to a detailed statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, the Acting Assistant Spokesperson of the Brigade, the operation was conducted on Saturday, September 6, following weeks of intelligence gathering indicating the presence of armed groups in the area.
The raid, which took place in the remote village of Ikyaior, was specifically targeting a suspected criminal known as Mr. Terhemen Nzagha, alias “Full Fire,” who security sources believe has been coordinating arms smuggling and providing shelter to armed gangs in the Sabon-Gida Leke area near the state border.
“Acting on credible intelligence, our troops conducted a cordon and search operation in the identified location. While the suspects had fled before our arrival, we were able to uncover a carefully concealed stockpile of military grade equipment,” Lieutenant Mohammed stated.
The recovered items including 5 Special Forces face caps, 3 AK-47 magazines, 3 FN rifle magazines, 3 rifle sling, 2 FN rifle breech blocks and slides, 1 AK-47 firing mechanism, 2 FN rifle stocks, 2 FN rifle springs, 1 mini-telescopic sight, 1 AK-47 rifle butt, 1 FN rifle bag, 1 badminton bag (believed used for covert transport), 2 traditional charms and 1 tactical flashlight
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), praised the troops for their professionalism and swift action. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to rooting out criminal elements from Taraba State and surrounding areas. The recovery of these materials has undoubtedly disrupted the activities of armed groups in this region,” he stated.
The General emphasized that the operation was part of the military broader strategy to combat insecurity in Nigeria middle belt region, where communal conflicts, kidnapping, and armed banditry have persisted despite ongoing military campaigns.
While no arrests were made during this operation, military sources indicate that investigations are ongoing and that several leads are being pursued regarding the network responsible for the arms cache.
The Army commander called on the public to continue supporting security forces with timely information, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against insecurity. “We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest security formation. Together, we can restore peace and stability to our communities,” General Uwa added.
This operation marks the latest in a series of successful weapons recoveries by the 6 Brigade in Taraba State, reflecting the military intensified efforts to secure the region ahead of the upcoming dry season, which typically sees an increase in criminal activities and communal conflicts.