Troops arrest notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 under Operation Whirl Stroke, have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity with the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba.

The operation, carried out on November 23, 2025, led to the capture of Alhaji Abubakar Bawa in Wukari Local Government Area. According to military sources, Bawa was apprehended while attempting to flee the area.

Security operatives believe Bawa is a close associate of Umar Musa, another infamous kidnapper who was arrested by the same Brigade just a day earlier on November 22, 2025.

Preliminary investigations indicate that both suspects are part of a broader criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and other coordinated criminal activities across the region.

The arrests are part of Operation Zafin Wuta, a targeted clearance initiative launched by the Nigerian Army to combat criminal elements terrorising communities in Southern Taraba.

The operation involves intelligence-led patrols, coordination with local security networks, and rapid deployment of troops to hotspots.

Since its launch, the operation has successfully disrupted several kidnapping cells and recovered victims held for ransom.

Commenting on the latest arrest, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, lauded the troops for their professionalism and operational precision.

He said, “The arrest of Bawa is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.”

Uwa added that the military remains committed to eliminating criminal threats in the area, noting, “No criminal element will be allowed to escape justice as long as these operations continue at the current momentum.”

Residents of Wukari and surrounding areas have reportedly expressed relief following the arrests, noting that kidnappings and violent attacks have created fear and disrupted daily life.

Local authorities have also pledged to support the military in its ongoing operations by providing intelligence and coordinating community vigilance.

The Nigerian Army urged residents to remain vigilant and assist security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing efforts against criminal networks.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation, as authorities work to map the full extent of the criminal syndicate and identify other potential collaborators.