Military Breakthrough in Taraba Kidnapping Case
Nigerian Army troops have achieved a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping with the arrest of a notorious suspect in Taraba State. The operation, conducted by soldiers from the 6th Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), led to the capture of Umar Mus Geyi, a long-sought criminal believed to be central to multiple abduction cases in the region.
Operation Zafin Wuta Yields Results
According to military authorities, the breakthrough occurred on November 22, 2025, when troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted Geyi at Jandei-Kulamu in Wukari Local Council. Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the arrest was made under Operation Zafin Wuta, highlighting the military's intensified efforts to combat insecurity in the area.
Security sources revealed that Geyi had been on the security watchlist for an extended period, suspected of being a key operative in a kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents across Wukari and surrounding communities.
Direct Link to Recent Abduction
Preliminary investigations have connected the suspect to the November 13, 2025 kidnapping of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of the Jandei-Kulala axis. Soldiers reportedly apprehended Geyi during a telephone conversation where he explicitly confirmed that his victim remained in captivity and demanded a N20 million ransom for his release.
The timing of the arrest proved crucial as it occurred while the suspect was actively negotiating the ransom, providing troops with immediate intelligence about the ongoing captivity of Alhaji Jano.
Ongoing Search and Military Commitment
Currently, Umar Mus Geyi remains in military custody while security forces intensify efforts to locate the victim's whereabouts and secure his safe release. The Nigerian Army has deployed additional resources to track down other members of the kidnapping network and dismantle their operations completely.
Brigadier-General Kingsley C. Uwa, Commander of the 6th Brigade, praised his troops for their swift and coordinated response that led to the successful operation. He reaffirmed the Brigade's unwavering commitment to eradicating criminal networks and restoring lasting peace across Taraba State.
The military commander also appealed to residents to maintain vigilance and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against kidnapping and other security challenges.
