According to the Nigerian Army, another kidnapping mastermind has been apprehended in southern Taraba by soldiers from 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, or OPWS.  

In a statement released on Monday night, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, said that on November 23, 2025, a suspected kidnapping kingpin was captured by troops during a well-planned operation while he was trying to escape from Wukari Local Government Area.  

The statement claims that the suspect, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, is thought to be a close friend of Mr. Umar Musa, another infamous mastermind of kidnapping who was apprehended by 6 Brigade forces on November 22, 2025.

Strong connections between the two suspects and a larger crime gang that is in charge of several kidnappings, brutal assaults, and coordinated illegal actions around the area have been found during preliminary investigations.  

In response, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the soldiers for their professionalism, tenacity, and operational accuracy.

According to him, 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.”

He emphasized that no criminal element will elude prosecution as long as the operations maintain their current speed, reiterating the Brigade's commitment to continuing robust clearance operations.

“This latest success reinforces the resolve of the Nigerian Army to rid Southern Taraba of all criminal threats and restore lasting peace to the area. Troops under 6 Brigade remain fully vigilant as investigations into the suspect’s network intensify,” the statement added.

In order to support security forces in their ongoing operations, the Nigerian Army also asked locals to stay vigilant and offer reliable information.  The suspect is being questioned further while in detention.

Source