Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected kidnapper, identified as Abubakar Bawa, in Taraba State.

Naijaonpoint reports that the suspect was arrested while attempting to flee the Wukari Local Government Area, according to a statement issued by the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad.

The arrest is part of the ongoing clearance mission, Operation Zafin Wuta, launched to eliminate criminal elements terrorizing communities in southern Taraba.

The army disclosed that Bawa is believed to be a close associate of Umar Musa, an alleged kidnapping mastermind earlier arrested by 6 Brigade troops on November 22, 2025.

Preliminary investigations, according to the statement, established “strong links between the two suspects and a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities across the region.”

Reacting to the arrest, the Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their operational efficiency.

According to him, 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 added that the Brigade remains committed to sustained operations, stressing that: “No criminal element will be allowed to escape justice as long as these operations continue at the current momentum.”

The statement further highlighted the army’s resolve to rid the region of criminal threats: “This latest success reinforces the resolve of the Nigerian Army to rid southern Taraba of all criminal threats and restore lasting peace to the area. Troops under 6 Brigade remain fully vigilant as investigations into the suspect’s network intensify.”

The army appealed to residents to stay alert and provide credible intelligence that could assist ongoing security efforts.

It confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.