Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious Kidnap Kingpin in Taraba

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has arrested Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, a suspected kidnapping kingpin, in Wukari Local Government Area, southern Taraba. The arrest was made on November 23, 2025, during a carefully coordinated operation.

According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Bawa is believed to be a close associate of Umar Musa, another notorious kidnap mastermind arrested on November 22, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest strong links between the two suspects and a wider criminal syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings, violent attacks, and coordinated criminal activities in the region.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, stating that the arrest is a clear indication that Operation Zafin Wuta is achieving its objective of dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security to affected communities.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation. The Nigerian Army urges residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing security efforts.

“No Arrests Made After Peace Talks Secure Release of 38 Kwara Worshippers”

The 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have been freed after five days in captivity, with no arrests made of the kidnappers. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, attributed the successful release to the abductors’ willingness to engage in peace talks.¹

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised President Bola Tinubu’s hands-on approach, stating that his personal involvement was instrumental in securing the release of the abductees. The governor also thanked security forces and other stakeholders for their efforts in securing the worshippers’ freedom.

The incident has raised concerns about insecurity in Nigeria, with calls for increased efforts to address the issue. The Nigerian government has deployed security forces to the affected area and is working to prevent future attacks.

Terrorist Commander Threatens to Abduct Military Officers, President Tinubu

A self-acclaimed terrorist commander has issued a chilling warning that his group will soon target military officers, state governors, and even President Bola Tinubu for abduction. In a disturbing video, the armed militant, wearing a Nigerian military jacket, boasted about recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.

The terrorist, whose identity has not been confirmed, claimed that the Nigerian government has failed in its responsibility to protect citizens. “Everyone has woken up. We kidnapped school students in Kebbi State and Niger State. Next time, we will be kidnapping Nigerian military officers and taking them to the forest,” he said.

Pointing to the jacket he wore, he continued: “Look at the clothes I’m wearing — they belong to a soldier. Nigeria, in the days ahead, we will kidnap a governor, we will kidnap the President, and others.”

The terrorist further claimed that Nigerians should place their hopes in divine protection rather than the government, insisting that authorities could not guarantee safety. “We are not concerned that they have arrested anyone. The government cannot secure you. You people should return to God to protect you, answer your wishes, and wipe the tears from your eyes,” he said.

The threat comes on the heels of two recent attacks on schools in Niger and Kebbi states, where over 300 students and teachers were abducted. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens, particularly students and schoolchildren.

The terrorist ended the recording by greeting his followers on social media, saying, “No one among the big men can wipe your tears. We have woken up. I greet all of you on social media. Have a pleasant day.”

BREAKING: Kwara Church Attack Survivor Recounts Harrowing Experience in Terrorists’ Den

A survivor of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) attack in Eruku, Kwara State, has shared his terrifying experience while held captive by terrorists in a remote forest. The survivor, one of the 38 worshippers abducted on November 18, 2025, revealed that their captors made it clear that escape was impossible due to their strong grip on the area .

“It was unimaginable because when we got there, we knew immediately that it was their dominated territory,” the survivor recounted. “They even told themselves that they are bandits and made us understand that no one can slip away. With what we saw, nobody could escape”.

The terrorists, who claimed to be bandits, boasted about their deep knowledge of the terrain and ability to detect any movement within the surrounding areas. The captives were constantly watched, leaving them in fear, confusion, and uncertainty throughout their ordeal ².

The 38 worshippers were released on November 23, 2025, amid rising concerns over the escalating rate of kidnappings across the country. The Nigerian government has attributed the victims’ release to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and security agencies .

President Bola Tinubu held an extended security meeting with top military and police commanders at the State House in Abuja on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The meeting aimed to review ongoing security operations and stabilize areas affected by recent abductions.

Attendees included the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and Director-General of the Department of State Services. Tinubu emphasized his commitment to national security, stating, “Nigeria will prevail”.

Key outcomes of the meeting include withdrawal of police from VIPs, recruitment of 30,000 new police officers, and enhanced security measures. Security agencies have been directed to address insecurity with speed and precision.

Tinubu cancelled his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to prioritize the safety of Nigerians and coordinate security operations personally.

Tinubu’s Hands-on Approach Secures Freedom for Eruku 38 Abductees

After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara Kwara.

The Governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees.

The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen.

The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.

The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.

The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 23, 2025

Governor Usman Ododo Formalizes Local Vigilantes Group into Civil Service.

The governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has integrated all vigilantes into the civil service.

According to him, this decision seeks to formalize local security efforts, professionalize community intelligence networks, and introduce stronger accountability mechanisms for personnel previously operating informally.

They will receive further security training to enhance their jobs and secure Kogi State.

OPERATION ZAFIN WUTA: 6 BRIGADE TROOPS ARREST NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPER IN WUKARI, INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR VICTIM

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded another major operational success under OPERATION ZAFIN WUTA, following the arrest of a wanted and notorious kidnap suspect in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops on 22 November 2025 apprehended Mr. Umar Musa Geyi at Jandei-Kulamu in Wukari LGA. The suspect, who has been on the wanted list of security agencies, is believed to be a key member of a kidnapping syndicate that has terrorised several communities within the area.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to the kidnapping of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of the Jandei-Kulala general area, who was abducted on 13 November 2025 and remains in captivity. Mr. Geyi was arrested after troops intercepted him during a phone conversation in which he confirmed the victim was still being held and demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for his release.

The suspect is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation to determine the exact location of the victim and facilitate his safe rescue.

While commending the troops for their proactive action, the Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reaffirmed that the Brigade remains fully committed to dismantling criminal networks, rescuing victims, and restoring peace and security across Taraba State.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.

UMAR MUHAMMAD
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
23 November 2025