Troops arrest suspected kidnapper negotiating N20m ransom in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and Operation Zafin Wuta, have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Wukari LGA of Taraba state.

The suspect, Umar Musa Geyi, was apprehended on Saturday at the Jandei–Kulamu area while allegedly negotiating a N20 million ransom with relatives of an abducted victim.

Umar Mohammed, the army spokesperson, said Geyi has been on the wanted list of security agencies and is believed to be linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating around Wukari.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that Geyi is connected to the abduction of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of Jandei–Kulala, who was kidnapped on November 13, 2025. The victim remains in captivity.

Mohammed said the troops intercepted a phone call in which Geyi confirmed the victim was still held and demanded a ransom.

He said the suspected kidnapper is now in custody and undergoing interrogation to help locate the victim and aid rescue efforts.

Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commander of the 6 brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks in Taraba.