A notorious bandit leader, identified as Fidelis Gayama, linked to several cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue and Taraba axis, has been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
Naijaonpoint reports that the Brigade, in a statement issued on Monday, signed by the Brigade Acting spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad, disclosed that the arrest was carried out on December 21, 2025, by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari during an intelligence-driven operation at Vaase Community in Ukum local government council of Benue State.
The suspect was described as a high value target who has been on the watchlist of security agencies.
The security further disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed the suspect as one of those declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
According to the troops, 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.
The statement added, “According to preliminary investigations, Gayama is closely associated with Aka Dogo, a wanted leader of an armed criminal group.
“He is believed to be the mastermind behind a network that has terrorised commuters and residents along the Kente–Wukari Road and other border communities between Benue and Taraba states.”
Commending the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to the criminal networks operating in the area.
Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to safeguard lives and property, while also urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.