Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin during a coordinated operation in Southern Taraba.
The suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, was apprehended on 23 November in Wukari Local Government Area (LGA) while allegedly attempting to flee.
Bawa's arrest came barely 24 hours after soldiers detained another suspected kidnap ringleader, Umar Musa, on 22 November.
Military sources said preliminary findings link both men to a wider criminal syndicate believed to be responsible for a string of kidnappings, violent assaults and other organised attacks across the region.
The arrests form part of Operation Zafin Wuta, a targeted clearance mission launched to dislodge criminal groups operating in Southern Taraba.
The initiative combines intelligence-driven patrols, collaboration with local security networks and rapid troop deployment to high-risk zones.
According to the Army, the operation has already disrupted several kidnap cells and led to the rescue of victims previously held for ransom.
Commenting on the latest breakthrough, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for what he described as “professional and precise” execution.
“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 said.
He added that the military would sustain pressure on criminal elements, stating that none would be allowed to evade justice as operations continue.
Residents of Wukari and neighbouring communities are reported to have welcomed the development, saying that persistent kidnappings and attacks had fuelled widespread anxiety and disrupted livelihoods.
Local authorities have pledged continued support for the Nigerian Army by providing intelligence and strengthening community vigilance structures.
The Army urged the public to remain alert and share credible information with security agencies as efforts to dismantle criminal networks intensify.
Bawa is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation as investigators work to uncover additional members of the syndicate.
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