By Marycelia Agim
Troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader long linked to kidnapping and armed robbery cases that have threatened civilian safety and disrupted movement across border communities.
Military authorities identified the suspect as Fidelis Gayama, describing him as a high value target who had remained on the watchlist of multiple security agencies due to his alleged role in coordinating violent criminal activities.
According to an official statement, signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the arrest was carried out on Sunday, December 21, 2025, during an intelligence driven operation by troops of the Forward Operating Base, Wukari, at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
It added that “preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader, and is believed to be the ringleader of a criminal network that has terrorised travellers and communities along the Kente–Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba States.”
Security checks further confirmed the suspect’s status, with the statement noting that police personnel at the Vaase Outpost verified that Gayama was among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division in Ukum Local Government Area.
“The suspect is currently in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authority for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws,” the statement said.
Commending the operation, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustained offensive operations, while urging the public to provide credible intelligence.
