A joint operation by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) has resulted in the dismantling of a notorious gun-running syndicate in Taraba State.
The successful operation, which was carried out in the early hours of the morning, led to the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Sources close to the operation revealed that the syndicate had been operating in the state for several months, supplying weapons to criminal groups and insurgents.
According to a statement released by U Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army, the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence gathered by the DSS. The statement added that the seized arms and ammunition would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Nigerian Army and the DSS have been conducting joint operations in recent months to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the region. This latest operation is a significant milestone in the efforts to restore peace and security in Taraba State.
Security experts have hailed the operation as a major success, noting that it would disrupt the supply chain of illicit weapons in the region. They also commended the collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the DSS, saying it was a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating crime and insecurity.
The operation is expected to have a significant impact on the security situation in Taraba State, which has been plagued by violence and instability in recent years. Residents of the state have expressed relief and gratitude for the operation, saying it would help to restore peace and normalcy to their communities.
The operation, which was carried out around Ambassador Roundabout in Wukari Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib, a native of Belango Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area. The suspect is believed to be a key player in an arms trafficking syndicate operating within the region.
Items recovered from the suspect during the operation include: 362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, The sum of Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, One Hundred Naira (₦842,100), One black Jing Cheng rubber motorcycle, One Redmi Android phone, One itel phone, Two silver rings and One First Bank ATM card.
The suspect is currently in custody and is cooperating with security agencies by providing valuable information to support ongoing investigations and future operations.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment, in synergy with other security agencies, to rid Taraba State and its environs of criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens.
He further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in sustaining peace and security across the state.
