Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Taraba State, arresting a suspected kingpin believed to be linked to a notorious criminal network operating in the region.

In a statement released on Monday night, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, confirmed that soldiers apprehended the suspect—identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa—on November 23, 2025. Bawa was reportedly attempting to flee Wukari Local Government Area when troops closed in on him.

The army revealed that Bawa is a close associate of Mr. Umar Musa, another infamous kidnapping mastermind who was arrested just a day earlier on November 22 by the same 6 Brigade troops. Preliminary investigations have uncovered strong connections between the two men and a broader criminal syndicate responsible for numerous kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities across Southern Taraba.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), praised the troops for their professionalism and operational effectiveness. He described the arrest as further proof that Operation Zafin Wuta is delivering tangible results in dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to affected communities.

He assured residents that the brigade will sustain its high-tempo operations, vowing that no criminal group will evade justice as long as current efforts continue.

“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,” the statement added.

The army also urged locals to remain vigilant and continue providing reliable intelligence to support ongoing security operations.

The arrested suspect is currently in custody as investigations into the wider network intensify.