Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader linked to a string of kidnappings and armed robberies along the Benue–Taraba axis.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was arrested on December 21 during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by troops of the Forward Operating Base, Wukari, at Vaase community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Military sources said Gayama is a high-value suspect who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for his alleged role in violent crimes targeting travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and surrounding border areas between Benue and Taraba states.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network that has terrorised the area for months. The arrest was further validated by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost, who confirmed that the suspect was declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum LGA.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, the Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the region. He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to safeguard lives and property.
The commander also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the area.
