Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, a suspected kidnapping kingpin, during a coordinated operation on November 23, 2025, in Wukari Local Government Area, Southern Taraba.
The arrest was confirmed on Monday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, while Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, described it as a major success in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta.
Bawa is believed to be a close associate of Mr. Umar Musa, another notorious kidnapper arrested on November 22, 2025. Preliminary investigations indicate strong links between the two suspects and a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities across the region.
Brigadier General Uwa commended the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, saying the arrest “is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.”
The commander reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive clearance operations, stressing that “no criminal element will be allowed to escape justice as long as these operations continue at the current momentum.
” The Nigerian Army has urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing security efforts. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.
