The Nigerian Army has announced that troops from the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended another major kidnap kingpin in southern Taraba.

In a statement on Monday night, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, said that during a carefully coordinated operation on November 23, 2025, troops apprehended a suspected kidnapping kingpin as he attempted to flee from Wukari Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, is believed to be a close associate of Mr Umar Musa, another notorious kidnapping mastermind arrested by 6 Brigade troops 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.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and operational precision.

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 reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive clearance operations, stressing that no criminal element will escape justice as long as the operations continue at the current momentum.

“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.

The Nigerian Army further urged residents to remain alert and provide credible information to assist security agencies in their ongoing efforts.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.