Troops of the 6th Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have recorded another breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Taraba State with the arrest of a key suspect.
The arrest, which occurred on Sunday, adds to ongoing operations aimed at crippling syndicates known for kidnappings and violent attacks.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, the troops carried out a coordinated operation that led to the capture of the suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa.
He is believed to be a close associate of Umar Musa, a notorious figure previously apprehended by the same brigade on November 22, 2025, in Wukari.
Preliminary investigations, the statement noted, have established strong operational links between Bawa, Musa, and a larger criminal organisation responsible for a series of kidnappings and coordinated assaults across Southern Taraba.
Security sources suggest the syndicate operates through a network of informants, collaborators, and armed cells that target vulnerable communities, travellers, and local traders.
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The Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their effectiveness, noting that the success of the recent arrests demonstrates significant progress in Operation Zafin Wuta—a military initiative focused on restoring peace and neutralizing criminal gangs operating across the region.
He stated that the momentum gained from the back-to-back arrests shows the operation is achieving its intended objectives.
General Uwa emphasized that while the arrests mark an important step, the operation will continue until criminal threats across Southern Taraba are fully suppressed.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives, clearing hideouts, and boosting public confidence in the affected communities.
He also urged residents to maintain vigilance and continue providing credible information to assist ongoing military efforts.
According to him, community cooperation remains essential, as locals often possess valuable knowledge about movements, hideouts, and activities of criminal elements.
The recent developments add to a series of security interventions conducted in the state, where kidnapping and localised attacks have persisted despite multiple operations by security agencies.
The Army maintains that sustained pressure on syndicates will help weaken their structures and restore lasting peace.
With continued operations and renewed collaboration between security agencies and local communities, authorities say they are optimistic that Southern Taraba will see a notable improvement in safety and stability in the coming months.
