Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper In Taraba, Link Him To Criminal Syndicate

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Abubakar Bawa in Taraba State.

Bawa was apprehended while attempting to flee Wukari Local Government Area, according to a statement by the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Lt. Umar Muhammad.

The arrest is part of Operation Zafin Wuta, an ongoing clearance operation targeting criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks across southern Taraba.

The Nigerian Army revealed that preliminary investigations show strong ties between Bawa and another suspected kidnapping kingpin, Umar Musa, who was arrested by troops on 22 November 2025. Both men are believed to be members of a wider criminal network behind several abductions and coordinated assaults in the region.

Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their precision and resilience, noting that the operation is yielding significant results.

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

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive clearance operations, insisting that no criminal element will escape justice as long as the operation continues.

The Brigade urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security forces.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.