Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations – Newstrends
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Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

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Abubakar Bawa

Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, have achieved another major victory in the fight against insecurity with the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba. The suspect, identified as Abubakar Bawa, was captured on November 23, 2025, in Wukari Local Government Area while attempting to flee.

Military intelligence links Bawa to Umar Musa, another infamous kidnapper arrested by the same formation just 24 hours earlier, suggesting both men belong to a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent assaults, and coordinated attacks across the region.

The arrests were made under Operation Zafin Wuta, a strategic clearance operation launched to dismantle kidnapping networks and neutralise criminal elements terrorising communities in Southern Taraba. The operation relies heavily on intelligence-led patrols, rapid troop deployment, and collaboration with local security outfits.

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Since its commencement, the operation has disrupted several kidnapping cells, rescued abducted victims, and weakened organised criminal activity in hotspot areas.

Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism and precision, stating: “The arrest of Bawa is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security.”

Uwa reiterated the Army’s resolve to eliminate criminal threats, asserting that no offender would escape justice as long as the operation maintains its momentum.

Residents of Wukari and nearby communities have welcomed the development, noting that persistent kidnappings and violent attacks had caused widespread fear and disrupted daily life. Local authorities have pledged continued support through intelligence sharing and enhanced community vigilance.

The Nigerian Army urged citizens to remain alert and assist security agencies with credible information to strengthen ongoing counter-kidnapping efforts. Bawa is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation as authorities work to uncover the full reach of the criminal network and identify additional collaborators.

Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

 

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

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