Nigerian troops have arrested another suspected kidnap kingpin in Taraba State, marking a major breakthrough in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta, the military’s clearance mission targeting criminal gangs terrorising communities in the southern part of the state.
The suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, was apprehended on November 23, 2025 during a covert operation in Wukari Local Government Area, according to a statement issued on Monday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade.
Bawa was arrested while attempting to flee the area as troops intensified operations against criminal hideouts.
Army authorities described the suspect as a close associate of Umar Musa, a feared kidnapping mastermind earlier arrested by the same Brigade on November 22, 2025.
“Preliminary investigations have established strong links between the two suspects and a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities across the region,” the statement read.
Reacting to the development, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the troops for what he called “professionalism, resilience, and operational precision.”
He said the latest arrest confirms that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its mandate of dismantling long-standing criminal networks.
“The arrest of Bawa is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is fulfilling its objective of restoring security to affected communities,” Uwa stated.
“No criminal element will be allowed to escape justice as long as these operations continue at the current momentum.”
The Brigade said troops remain on high alert as investigations intensify into the suspect’s network, adding that Bawa is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in ongoing clearance operations.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ridding Southern Taraba of banditry, kidnapping gangs, and other violent criminal groups that have destabilised the region in recent years.
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