A pump action rifle meant for sale was discovered by troops after the suspected gun runners fled the scene.
Soldiers of the Nigerian Army on Exercise Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) have dismantled an illegal gun running business while on patrol in Bantaje ward of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
According to a statement released by the military on Wednesday, February 21, a pump action rifle meant for sale was discovered by troops after the suspected gun runners fled the scene.
The statement read, "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 suspects who are now at large, were involved in gun running in Bantaje general area."
Exercise Ayem Akpatuma
The army announced on February 7 that it would commence Exercise Ayem Akpatuma in six states across the country to combat a series of criminal activities.
The exercise runs from February 15 to March 31, 2018 in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states.
Troops will engage in raids, cordon and search operations, road blocks, show of force and checkpoints to combat criminal activities in the affected states.