- Nigerian Army arrests a wanted bandit leader in Benue Statew
- Operation carried out by 6 Brigade under Operation Whirl Stroke
- Suspect linked to kidnappings and armed robberies
- Arrest seen as a major boost to security in the area
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a notorious bandit leader accused of terrorising communities along the Benue–Taraba axis, following an intelligence-driven operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrest was carried out on December 21, 2025, by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, operating under 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
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According to a statement released on Monday by the Brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Unar Muhammad, the suspect was arrested during a carefully planned operation at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, is said to be a high-value target who has been on the watchlist of security agencies for his alleged involvement in several cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent attacks in border communities between Benue and Taraba states.
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Military sources disclosed that Gayama is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a notorious and wanted leader of an armed criminal gang operating in the region.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for terrorising commuters and residents along the Kente–Wukari Road and surrounding communities,” the army said.
Security officials further confirmed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost identified the suspect as one of those previously declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
The army stated that the suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating along the Benue–Taraba axis.
“This success reflects our commitment to sustained offensive operations aimed at protecting lives and property,” Uwa said, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
