Army arrests notorious kidnap kingpin in Taraba as troops intensify operations

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.

READ ALSO:

• DSS releases man wrongfully detained over IPOB allegations, awards N5m compensation
• Lawyers demand immediate reopening of PDP headquarters, accuse Wike of undermining democracy
• NRC begins Iddo Train Terminus transformation, to flush out criminals

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