Troops of the Forward Operating Base Wukari, under the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested a suspected notorious bandit leader linked to several cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis.
The suspect was apprehended on December 21 during an intelligence-led, precision operation conducted at Vaase community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson of the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, disclosed that the operation resulted in the arrest of Fidelis Gayama, described as a “high-value” suspect who had been on the wanted list of security agencies.
According to Umar, preliminary investigations showed that the suspect is closely associated with Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the coordinator of a criminal network responsible for attacks on travellers and residents along the Kente–Wukari Road and surrounding border communities between Benue and Taraba states.
He added that further confirmation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost established that the suspect is among those declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
“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 what he described as their professionalism, discipline and operational precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, said the arrest represents a major setback for criminal networks operating in the area.
He reiterated the brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at protecting 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.
