INSECURITY: Troops Arrest Notorious Bandit Leader in Benue

INSECURITY: Troops Arrest Notorious Bandit Leader in Benue–Taraba Border Operation.

By Jako Keke, December 22,2025.

Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader linked to several kidnapping and armed robbery incidents along the Benue–Taraba axis.

The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, was arrested on 21 December 2025 during a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Military sources described Gayama as a high-value target who has been on the watchlist of security agencies for a long time.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspect is closely associated with Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for terrorising travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba States.

Further confirmation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost established that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum LGA for various criminal offences.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, discipline and operational precision, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal elements operating within the area. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to rid the region of criminal networks and ensure the safety of lives and property.

Brigadier General Uwa also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing security operations across the states.

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