Army arrests wanted kidnap suspect in Taraba during N20m ransom negotiation

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State while he was allegedly negotiating a N20 million ransom for the release of an abducted victim. The suspect, Umar Musa Geyi, was apprehended on Saturday in the Jandei–Kulamu axis following a coordinated operation under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and Operation Zafin Wuta.

Umar Mohammed, Army spokesperson said Geyi has long been on the wanted list of security agencies and is believed to be a key member of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities around Wukari. According to Mohammed, troops intercepted a phone call in which the suspect confirmed that the abducted victim was still in captivity and insisted on the N20 million ransom demand.

Preliminary investigations link Geyi to the November 13, 2025 abduction of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of Jandei–Kulala. Jano was kidnapped from his community and has remained in captivity since the incident. Security operatives believe Geyi’s arrest will provide crucial intelligence to aid ongoing rescue efforts.

The army spokesperson said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. He noted that investigators are working to extract actionable information from Geyi to locate the victim and track other members of the criminal network.

Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa,Commander of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops for what he described as a swift and professional operation. He reaffirmed the army’s resolve to dismantle criminal syndicates in Taraba and restore safety to affected communities.

Uwa urged residents to continue collaborating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, insisting that recent breakthroughs underscore the effectiveness of joint military operations in the state.

The arrest marks another significant step in the military’s intensified campaign against kidnapping in the North-East and North-Central regions, where armed groups have continued to target commuters, community leaders, and rural dwellers. Authorities say the success of the operation demonstrates the growing capacity of troops under OPWS and Operation Zafin Wuta to intercept criminal activities before ransom payments are made.

Security analysts note that while the arrest represents progress, the immediate priority remains the safe rescue of Alhaji Jano, whose prolonged captivity has heightened anxiety among local residents. The military has assured that efforts are ongoing to secure his release without further harm.

The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring that those responsible for kidnappings face justice.