Troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, operating under the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have apprehended a notorious bandit leader allegedly responsible for multiple kidnappings and armed robberies along the Benue – Taraba corridor.
The arrest took place on December 21 during a precision, intelligence-driven operation at Vaase Community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement released on Monday, Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, spokesman for the 6 Brigade, confirmed that the operation led to the detention of Fidelis Gayama, a “high-value” suspect who had long been sought by security agencies.
Umar revealed that preliminary investigations linked the suspect to Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and indicated that Gayama is believed to head a criminal network terrorising travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and neighbouring border areas between Benue and Taraba States.
Further verification by personnel from the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division, 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 added.
Praising the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and operational precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant setback for criminal networks operating in the region.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s steadfast commitment to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The Commander further urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts.