Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader connected to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba corridor.
According to a statement released by the Brigade on Monday, the arrest was carried out on December 21, 2025, by soldiers of the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Wukari, during an intelligence-led operation at Vaase community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was described as a high-value target who had long been on the radar of security agencies.
“According to preliminary investigations, Gayama is closely associated with Aka Dogo, a wanted leader of an armed criminal group. He is believed to be the mastermind behind a network that has terrorised commuters and residents along the Kente–Wukari Road and other border communities between Benue and Taraba states”, the statement said.
Security sources further revealed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed the suspect as one of those previously declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by the Brigade’s Acting spokesperson, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Army said the suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a major setback for criminal groups operating in the area.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to sustain offensive operations to protect lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
