Operation Zafin Wuta records a major breakthrough as troops arrest a notorious kidnap kingpin linked to multiple crimes in Southern Taraba

According to military officials on Sunday, Operation Zafin Wuta has achieved a significant breakthrough after troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army arrested a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba.

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The arrest, carried out on 23 November 2025, resulted in the capture of Alhaji Abubakar Bawa in Wukari Local Government Area as he attempted to flee.

Security sources revealed that Bawa is closely connected to Umar Musa, another feared kidnapper apprehended by the same brigade a day earlier.

Investigators believe both men are part of a wider criminal network linked to repeated kidnappings, violent attacks and other coordinated offences that have troubled the region.

Their capture forms part of the intensified push under Operation Zafin Wuta, a clearance initiative launched to dismantle networks terrorising rural communities.

The effort includes intelligence-led patrols, coordination with local security groups and rapid troop mobilisation to vulnerable hotspots.

Since its launch, the operation has disrupted several kidnapping cells and secured the release of victims previously held for ransom.

Officials described the latest arrest as a powerful indication that criminal syndicates are losing ground.

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, praised his troops for what he called a decisive and “highly effective” intervention.

He said the operation is fulfilling its core mission of restoring stability, adding that no criminal actor would evade justice as long as troops maintain their current momentum.

Residents of Wukari and neighbouring communities have expressed relief following the arrests, noting that recurrent attacks and abductions had created deep anxiety and disrupted normal life.

Local leaders pledged stronger support for the military, including sharing vital intelligence and strengthening community vigilance.

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Authorities confirmed that the suspect is now in custody undergoing further interrogation as they work to map the extent of the syndicate and identify additional collaborators.