Army arrests notorious bandit leader in Benue–Taraba border operation

Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected notorious bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, in a successful intelligence-driven operation along the Benue–Taraba border.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, who said the operation was conducted on December 21, 2025, at Vaase community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the army, Gayama is a high-value security target who had been on the watchlist of security agencies for a long time due to his alleged involvement in multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in the area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, another wanted armed group leader, and is believed to head a criminal network responsible for attacks on travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border areas.

Lieutenant Muhammad said further verification by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that Gayama was among suspects declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum LGA.

The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, described the arrest as a major setback for criminal elements operating in the region.

“This arrest represents a significant blow to criminal networks within our area of responsibility. We remain committed to sustaining offensive operations to ensure the safety of lives and property,” Uwa said.

He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing security operations.