Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded another significant breakthrough in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta with the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba.
The suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, was apprehended on 23 November 2025 during a coordinated clearance operation as he attempted to flee Wukari Local Government Area. Bawa is believed to be a close criminal associate of Mr. Umar Musa, another infamous kidnapping mastermind arrested by 6 Brigade troops just a day earlier on 22 November.
According to preliminary investigations, both suspects are linked to a wider criminal syndicate responsible for a series of kidnappings, violent attacks, and other criminal operations across Southern Taraba and neighbouring areas.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism and operational efficiency. He described the development as “a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.”
General Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to sustain aggressive clearance operations, stressing that no criminal element will be spared. “As long as these operations continue at the current momentum, no criminal will be allowed to escape justice,” he said.
The arrest of Bawa marks another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to rid Southern Taraba of security threats and restore peace to the region. Troops under 6 Brigade remain on high alert as investigations into the suspect’s network continue.
The Nigerian Army also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.
