Troops arrest another suspect in a coordinated Taraba kidnapper arrest as Operation Whirl Stroke targets criminal syndicates
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, on Tuesday announced the Taraba kidnapper arrest of a suspected criminal said to be linked to a wider abduction network operating across Southern Taraba.
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The arrest was confirmed in Jalingo in a statement issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations.
Lieutenant Muhammad said the troops captured the suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, during a coordinated operation conducted on 23 November 2025.
He noted that investigators believe Bawa is a close associate of Umar Musa, a notorious kidnapping mastermind who was apprehended by the same brigade a day earlier in Wukari.
According to the statement, early findings point to strong connections between both men and a criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks and organised criminal activities in the region.
Army officials said the breakthrough demonstrates the increasing pressure mounted by recent operations, which have gained momentum since November.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, commended the troops for what he described as their professionalism, resilience and operational precision.
He said the success underscores the impact of Operation Zafin Wuta, which aims to dismantle entrenched networks of kidnappers and restore security to vulnerable communities.
Brigadier General Uwa added that the latest breakthrough strengthens the Army’s resolve to bring lasting peace to Southern Taraba.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could support ongoing security efforts, describing civilian cooperation as a powerful asset in the campaign against crime.
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Authorities say further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and to identify additional collaborators.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
