The Nigerian Army has foiled a suspected terror plot by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and arrested two suspected terrorists in Taraba State, preventing what security sources described as an imminent attack.
The simultaneous operations, carried out on Tuesday, 16 July 2025, by troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), targeted high-threat zones within Wukari Local Government Area.
SaharaReporters learnt that the operations led to the arrest of an alleged ISWAP foot soldier and a notorious kidnapping gang lieutenant.
The first arrest involved Abubakar Yusuf, 26, a native of Borno State residing in Gassol LGA of Taraba.
According to Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Yusuf was apprehended while allegedly conducting strange rituals at the Aku-Uka Palace Junction — one of several locations believed to be marked for an ISWAP offensive.
Items recovered from the suspect include: A dead chicken; nine rotten, unhatched eggs; an animal horn; a bottle containing powdered substance and pieces of fresh meat.
Captain Oni said the ritual was believed to be an attempt to “spiritually weaken and bind” the town to allow easier infiltration by terrorist cells.
In a related but separate mission, troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari apprehended Felix Myina, 45, suspected to be a top-ranking member of a deadly kidnapping and banditry syndicate operating under the command of a wanted kingpin, Mcianan, also known as Yellow.
Myina, a native of Ukum LGA in Benue State, was arrested while reportedly attempting to regroup with gang members active along the Jootar–Wukari axis.
A Techno mobile phone was recovered during his arrest.
Both suspects are currently in military custody and are said to be cooperating with interrogators, providing what security officials describe as “actionable intelligence” that may lead to further arrests and disruption of terrorist networks.
The commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, applauded the alertness of the troops and the timely support of local residents.
He called on citizens to remain security-conscious and to report any suspicious activity in their communities.
“Our troops remain resolute and ready to confront every threat. This operation is a testament to the synergy between our intelligence and combat units. We call on the public to continue supporting our mission to secure lives and property,” said Brig. Gen. Uwa.
The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist cells and restore stability in Taraba and its surrounding regions.
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