Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested another suspected kidnap kingpin in Taraba State.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the arrest was the result of a carefully coordinated operation.
“During a carefully coordinated operation on November 23, 2025, troops apprehended a suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, who is believed to be a close associate of Mr. Umar Musa,” the statement read.
Musa, described as a notorious kidnapping mastermind, was arrested by 6 Brigade troops a day earlier, on November 22, 2025, in Wukari.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Army, have uncovered strong links between both suspects and a broader criminal network responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks and other coordinated criminal operations across Southern Taraba.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism and operational efficiency.
“The arrest of Bawa is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities,” Uwa said.
He added that the success underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eliminating all criminal threats and restoring lasting peace to the region.
The commander urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing security operations.
NAN
