Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested another suspected notorious kidnap kingpin, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, in Southern Taraba State.
The arrest, observed by The Trumpet comes barely 24 hours after soldiers apprehended another alleged kidnap mastermind, Umar Musa.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, said Bawa was captured on 23 November 2025 during Operation Zafin Wuta, a clearance operation targeting criminal groups terrorizing communities in the region.
The nabbed suspect was reportedly intercepted while attempting to flee Wukari local government area of the state.
Security sources described Bawa as a close associate of Umar Musa, who was arrested on 22 November. “Preliminary investigations indicate that both men are linked to a broader criminal network responsible for numerous kidnappings, violent attacks, and organized criminal activities across the region,” the Army said.
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Reacting to the arrest, Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley C. Uwa, commended the troops for their professionalism. He said the success of Operation Zafin Wuta highlights the Army’s progress in dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring peace to affected communities.
General Uwa reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive clearance operations, stressing that no criminal will evade justice. He added that troops remain on heightened alert as investigations into Bawa’s network continue.
The Brigade also called on residents to remain vigilant and share credible information that could assist ongoing security efforts.
