Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, allegedly linked to several kidnapping and armed robbery attacks along the Benue–Taraba border.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, said the arrest followed a precision, intelligence-led operation carried out on December 21, 2025, in Vaase community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military described Gayama as a high-value target who had been on the watchlist of security agencies for a long period. Preliminary findings indicated that he is closely linked to another wanted armed group leader, Aka Dogo, and is believed to head a criminal network responsible for terrorising travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border settlements.
Lt. Muhammad said further verification by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among those declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
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The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to relevant authorities for detailed investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, described the arrest as a major blow to criminal elements operating in the area.
“This arrest represents a significant setback for criminal networks within our area of responsibility. We remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations to safeguard lives and property,” Uwa said.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing operations and restore lasting peace to the region.Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a suspected bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, allegedly linked to several kidnapping and armed robbery attacks along the Benue–Taraba border.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad, said the arrest followed a precision, intelligence-led operation carried out on December 21, 2025, in Vaase community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The military described Gayama as a high-value target who had been on the watchlist of security agencies for a long period. Preliminary findings indicated that he is closely linked to another wanted armed group leader, Aka Dogo, and is believed to head a criminal network responsible for terrorising travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border settlements.
Lt. Muhammad said further verification by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among those declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to relevant authorities for detailed investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, described the arrest as a major blow to criminal elements operating in the area.
“This arrest represents a significant setback for criminal networks within our area of responsibility. We remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations to safeguard lives and property,” Uwa said.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing operations and restore lasting peace to the region.
