Troops arrest suspected bandit kingpin during intelligence-led operation in Benue State

By Johnson Arua

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 suspected notorious bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, allegedly linked to several kidnapping and armed robbery incidents along the Benue–Taraba axis.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, disclosed in a statement that the arrest followed a precision, intelligence-driven operation carried out on December 21, 2025, at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the statement, the suspect is considered a high-value target who had been on the watchlist of security agencies for a prolonged period.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Gayama is closely associated with Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for attacks on travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba states.

Lieutenant Muhammad added that further verification by personnel 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.

He stated that the suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for thorough investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

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

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

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

The arrest highlights the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace along critical border corridors in Benue and Taraba states.