Army Arrests Second Notorious Kidnap Kingpin, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, in Two Days During Intensive ‘Operation Zafin Wuta’ in Taraba

The Nigerian Army has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against criminal elements, announcing, the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin in Southern Taraba State, marking the second high-profile capture in just 48 hours.

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), apprehended the suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, in Wukari Local Government Area on Sunday, November 23, 2025, as he attempted to evade capture during ongoing clearance missions.

The arrest follows closely on the heels of the capture of Umar Musa, another alleged kidnapping mastermind, who was apprehended by the same Brigade on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

“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,” stated the Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa.

Links to Broader Criminal Syndicate

According to a statement from the Army, preliminary investigations have established strong links between Bawa, Musa, and a wider criminal network responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and organized criminal activities that have plagued the region for months.

The successful, intelligence-led operation reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eliminating criminal threats and restoring lasting peace to Southern Taraba. Brigadier General Uwa affirmed that the Brigade will sustain its aggressive clearance operations, emphasizing that “no criminal element will be allowed to escape justice” as long as the operation maintains its current momentum.

Both suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation, which is expected to reveal the full extent of their syndicate and aid in the rescue of any victims still held captive.