Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and Operation Zafin Wuta in Taraba State, have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Wukari Local Government Area.
The suspect, Umar Musa Geyi, was apprehended on 22 November 2025 in the Jandei–Kulamu area while allegedly negotiating a N20 million ransom with relatives of an abducted victim.
Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, the Army spokesperson, confirmed that Geyi had been on the security agencies’ wanted list and is believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Wukari. Preliminary investigations suggest he is connected to the abduction of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of the Jandei–Kulala area, who was kidnapped on 13 November 2025. The victim is reportedly still in captivity.
Mohammed explained that the suspect was arrested after troops intercepted him during a phone call in which he allegedly confirmed that the victim remained in custody and demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release. He is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation to assist in locating the victim and supporting ongoing rescue operations.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state.
This arrest follows a similar crackdown in Ondo State, where police recently apprehended four suspects, including Ifeoluwa Julius, in Ogbese, Akure North LGA, for kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related crimes. The gang had reportedly returned from a trip to acquire charms to strengthen their criminal activities. Police recovered fetish items, blood-stained cloth, and an expended cartridge, and Julius admitted to being a ritualist and confirmed the gang’s involvement in multiple kidnappings.
Authorities say the suspects will face charges once investigations are complete.
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