December 22, 2025
News | SUNTV Global Channel
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a notorious bandit leader long wanted for kidnapping and armed robbery along the volatile Benue–Taraba border corridor.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was apprehended on December 21, 2025, during a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, described Gayama as a high-value target who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for an extended period.
According to the Army, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a notorious armed group leader also wanted by security forces. Gayama is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for multiple kidnappings, armed robberies, and violent attacks on travellers and rural communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba states.
Security sources further confirmed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost identified Gayama as one of the suspects previously declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
“The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for detailed investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” the Army said.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a major setback for criminal networks operating along the Benue–Taraba axis.
He praised the soldiers for their professionalism, discipline, and operational precision, reaffirming the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive security operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property in the region.
General Uwa also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to dismantling remaining criminal elements.
The arrest comes amid ongoing military efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and cross-border criminal activities that have plagued communities in parts of Benue and Taraba states.
