In a recent operation on March 19, 2026, troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, part of Operation Whirl Stroke, arrested two men suspected of gunrunning in Taraba State. The men were apprehended during a routine stop-and-search along the Wukari–Ikyaior Road, highlighting ongoing military efforts to curtail the illegal arms trade in the region. The statement from the Army indicated the importance of vigilance and regular patrols in maintaining security in the area.

The two suspects were identified as Wisdom Soomga, 32, and Elisha Danladi, 38, with the former hailing from Benue State and the latter a local resident. This incident is significant as it reflects the military's proactive approach against arms trafficking, which is often linked to escalating violence and crime within Nigeria. The recovery of 444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition further underscores the potential threat posed by such illegal activities in Northern Nigeria.

In addition to the ammunition, cash and personal items were seized during the operation, amplifying the military's campaign against both gunrunning and associated criminal enterprises. As the Nigerian Army continues to strengthen its presence in vulnerable areas, these actions may represent a shift in the dynamics of local security, potentially reducing the trafficking of weapons that fuels conflict and instability.