Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Ransom Negotiation in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the newly launched Operation Zafin Wuta and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded a significant operational success by arresting a suspected kidnapper in the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The Suspect Identified as Umar Musa Geyi was apprehended on November 22, 2025, at the Jandei–Kulamu area of Wukari.

Troops had, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the suspect while he was allegedly negotiating a ₦20 million ransom with the relatives of an abducted victim.

Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, confirmed that Geyi had been on the wanted list of security agencies and is believed to be a key member of a kidnapping syndicate operating around the Wukari axis.

Preliminary investigations have connected the suspect to the abduction of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of the Jandei–Kulala area, who was kidnapped on November 13, 2025, and remains in captivity.

The arrest was made after troops intercepted Geyi during a phone call in which he allegedly confirmed the victim was still being held and demanded the ₦20 million for his release.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.

Military authorities hope this process will yield crucial information to help locate Alhaji Jano and support ongoing rescue operations for his safe release.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across Taraba State under the mandate of Operation Zafin Wuta.