Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, operating under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a notorious bandit leader linked to several cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba corridor.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was apprehended on December 21, 2025, during a precision, intelligence-led operation carried out at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. He is regarded as a high-value target who had remained on security watchlists for a long period.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Gayama has close ties with Aka Dogo, a wanted leader of an armed group, and is believed to be the mastermind behind a criminal network that has terrorised travellers and local communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and nearby border areas between Benue and Taraba states.
Further checks by officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum LGA.
Gayama is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for thorough investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and operational precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a major setback for criminal networks operating in the area.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustained offensive operations to ensure the safety of lives and property, while also urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts across the region.
