Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested another notorious kidnapping kingpin in Southern Taraba as part of the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta, a clearance mission aimed at eliminating criminal networks in the region.
Confirming the report, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant Umar Muhammad said the arrest was made on 23 November 2025 during a coordinated operation in Wukari Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, was intercepted while attempting to flee. He is believed to be a close ally of Umar Musa, another key kidnapping mastermind apprehended by the Brigade on 22 November.
He said preliminary investigations have linked both suspects to a broader criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and other coordinated criminal acts across Southern Taraba.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their professionalism and operational efficiency. He stated that the arrest “clearly shows that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.”
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to sustain the tempo of clearance operations, warning that no criminal element will be allowed to evade justice.
The latest breakthrough underscores the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability to Southern Taraba. The Army urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support security operations.
Bawa is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.
