Troops Arrest Notorious Bandit Leader in Ukum LGA, Taraba State.
By Christiana Babayo
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader linked to a string of kidnappings and armed robbery incidents along the Benue–Taraba axis.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Umar Mohammed, the arrest was effected on 21 December 2025 during a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, is a high-fly target who has been on the security agencies’ wanted list for his alleged involvement in several criminal activities within the region.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Gayama is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a wanted leader of an armed criminal group, and is believed to be the ringleader of a network responsible for terrorising commuters 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 Police Outpost established that the suspect is among those 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 authorities for comprehensive investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, discipline and operational precision, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the area.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations to ensure the safety of lives and property. The Commander also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts.