Troops Arrest Notorious Gunrunner ‘Buhari Umar,’ Dismantles Kidnap Syndicate in N/Central

Troops Arrest Notorious Gunrunner ‘Buhari Umar,’ Dismantles Kidnap Syndicate in N/Central

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have arrested a notorious arms dealer and kidnap kingpin, Buhari Umar, as part of intensified military operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across the North Central region.

The arrest was disclosed during the bi-weekly press briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, in Abuja on Thursday.

The military high command said Umar, who had long been on the wanted list, was apprehended during targeted operations by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE.

He is allegedly responsible for supplying arms to terror cells and coordinating multiple abductions across Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kaduna States.

“Troops successfully arrested one Buhari Umar, a wanted suspected gunrunner who also doubles as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing several North Central states,” Major General Kangye stated.

“This arrest is a major blow to criminal logistics networks in the region.”

In a related breakthrough, troops dismantled a five-man kidnapping syndicate in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The suspects — identified as Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Idi Yusuf, Adamu Danmai, and Hassan Bello — were arrested during a raid following credible intelligence.

The military’s offensive across the country in April and early May led to the arrest of over 430 individuals involved in various forms of criminality, including terrorism, banditry, and oil theft. Additionally, 173 kidnapped hostages were rescued, while 204 terrorists and their family members surrendered to the military.

In the South-South region, the military reported foiling oil theft schemes worth over ₦1.9 billion, while in the North East, troops arrested 29 logistics suppliers for insurgent groups and recovered ₦739,000, motorcycles, and other equipment intended for terrorist operations.

Major General Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security, emphasizing continued collaboration with local communities and law enforcement agencies. He urged Nigerians to provide timely, credible intelligence to help troops sustain their momentum.

“The Armed Forces remain committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and protecting lives and property,” Kangye said. “The arrest of Buhari Umar and the disruption of kidnapping syndicates are evidence that our operations are yielding results.”

He assured the public that the military will remain resolute in flushing out criminal elements, calling on citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear, and continue supporting the troops with actionable information.