Olusegun Ariyo
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Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have arrested a notorious bandit leader linked to several cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis.The arrest, according to a statement issued by the Brigade on Monday, was carried out on December 21, 2025, by troops of the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Wukari, during an intelligence-driven operation at Vaase Community in Ukum local government council of Benue State.The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was described as a high-value target who has been on the watchlist 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 read.Security sources further disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed the suspect as one of those declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.Signed by the Brigade Acting spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad, the suspect, according to the troops, is currently in military custody and is expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.Commending the troops for their professionalism and operational precision, 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 in the area.He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to safeguard lives and property, while also urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
