Troops arrest notorious bandit leader in Benue

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 arrested a suspected notorious bandit leader linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis.

The arrest took place on December 21 during an intelligence-led operation at Vaase community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesman of the 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, identified the suspect as Fidelis Gayama, describing him as a high-value target who had been on the security agencies’ wanted list for some time.

According to Umar, preliminary investigations indicate that Gayama has close links with Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network responsible for attacks on travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and surrounding border areas between Benue and Taraba states.

He added that further verification by officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among those declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum LGA.

“The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for thorough investigation and prosecution in line with the law,” the statement said.

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 commitment to sustained offensive operations to safeguard lives and property and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.