By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have scored another major success in Southern Taraba with the arrest of a suspected kidnapping kingpin, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa. The operation, part of the ongoing clearance campaign codenamed Operation Zafin Wuta, is aimed at dismantling criminal networks terrorizing communities across the region. The arrest took place on 23 November 2025 as the suspect attempted to flee Wukari Local Government Area, according to an official statement by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Bawa is a close associate of Umar Musa, another notorious kidnapping mastermind apprehended by 6 Brigade troops a day earlier on 22 November. Authorities have linked both suspects to a wider criminal syndicate responsible for a series of kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities across Southern Taraba.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and precision. He described Bawa’s arrest as “a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its intended objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.” He further assured that the Brigade remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations, warning that “no criminal element will be allowed to escape justice as long as these operations continue at the current momentum.”
The Nigerian Army urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations. Bawa is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation as investigations into his network continue.
