The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it recovered a sophisticated rifle displayed for sale in Taraba state by a yet-to-be arrested gun-runner. The Army in a statement issued to newsmen by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Director Army Public Relations said the rifle was recovered during a patrol operation by troops of 93 Battalion. The statement reads in full;
"Troops of 93 Battalion, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on exercise AYEM AKPATUMA (Cat Race) deployed in Bantaje ward of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, while on patrol on Tuesday 20th February 2018, discovered a Pump action Rifle.
Preliminary investigation has shown that the rifle was displayed for sale but was abandoned by the suspected gun runners, who ran away on sighting the troops on patrol in the area. It was further revealed that the suspect who are now at large, were involved in gun running in Bantaje general area.
The public especially the residents of the areas where Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA is taking place are advised to continue to cooperate with the troops by providing useful information and to report any suspected movement by individual or group to the military or law enforcement agencies in their area. You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium. Thank you for your cooperation."
