In a significant security breakthrough, troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended another suspected kidnapper in Taraba State, dealing a blow to criminal networks operating in the region.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Arrest
The arrest was conducted by soldiers from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), during a carefully planned operation on November 23, 2025. According to official confirmation from Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, the suspect was identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa.
Military authorities revealed that Bawa is believed to be a close associate of Umar Musa, described as a notorious kidnapping mastermind who was himself arrested by 6 Brigade troops just one day earlier on November 22, 2025, in the Wukari area.
Links to Wider Criminal Network
Preliminary investigations have established strong connections between the two suspects and a broader criminal syndicate responsible for terrorizing communities across Southern Taraba. The network has been linked to multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities that have plagued the region.
The arrest forms part of Operation Zafin Wuta, which military officials say is achieving its objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.
Army Commander Commends Troops
Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6th Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and operational precision that led to the successful apprehension. He stated that the arrest demonstrates the operation's effectiveness in targeting criminal networks.
"This latest success reinforces the resolve of the Nigerian Army to rid Southern Taraba of all criminal threats and restore lasting peace to the area," General Uwa emphasized.
The Commander also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, highlighting that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining the gains achieved in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The development comes as the Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to enhance security in Taraba State, known for its diverse ethnic composition and rich natural resources, but which has faced security challenges from criminal elements in recent times.
