By Ayo Kehinde
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, operating under the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded a major operational success with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade.
He described the development as a significant breakthrough in ongoing military operations within the Benue–Taraba axis.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, is a high-value target long sought by security agencies for his alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across the region.
Lt. Muhammad disclosed that the arrest was carried out on December 22, 2025, during a precision, intelligence-driven operation at Vaase Community in Ukum LGA.
The arrest of the notorious bandit leader responsible for several criminal activities along the Benue–Taraba axis marks a major operational breakthrough for the Brigade, he said.
The preliminary investigations revealed the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader known to be operating within the region.
The army spokesperson noted that Gayama is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier-General Kingsley Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in Benue and its environs.
Brigadier-General Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts across the state.
