Troops Arrest Notorious Kidnap Kingpin in Southern Taraba Under Operation Zafin Wuta
Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested another high-profile kidnap kingpin during ongoing clearance operations in Southern Taraba.
The arrest, made on 23 November 2025, occurred as troops intercepted the suspect — identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa — while he attempted to flee Wukari Local Government Area. Bawa is believed to be a close associate of Umar Musa, another notorious kidnap mastermind arrested by the Brigade just a day earlier.
According to preliminary investigations, both suspects are linked to an extensive criminal network responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and other coordinated crimes across the region.
Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for their “professionalism and operational precision,” noting that the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of Operation Zafin Wuta, which aims to dismantle criminal syndicates and restore security to affected communities.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive clearance operations, warning that no criminal element would evade justice as long as the operation maintains its current momentum.
The Nigerian Army stated that investigations into the suspect’s network are ongoing and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support security efforts.
Bawa is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation.
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