Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected notorious bandit leader linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis.
The arrest was carried out on December 21 during a precision, intelligence-driven operation at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement released on Monday, the spokesperson of the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, identified the suspect as Fidelis Gayama, describing him as a “high-value” target who had long been on the radar of security agencies.
According to Umar, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is closely associated with Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for terrorising travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and surrounding border areas between Benue and Taraba states.
Further confirmation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost revealed that Gayama is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
“The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws,” the statement said.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, the Commander, 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 protect lives and property.
The commander also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts across the region.
