The arrest was carried out on December 21, 2025, by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari during what the Army described as a “precision, intelligence-driven operation” at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a “notorious bandit leader linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis”.
The arrest was carried out on December 21, 2025, by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari during what the Army described as a “precision, intelligence-driven operation” at Vaase Community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a statement released on Monday, by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the suspect, Fidelis Gayama, is a high-value target who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for an extended period.
“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,” the statement said.
The Army also disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that Gayama was among suspects 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 added.
Commending the troops for their conduct during the operation, 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 praised the soldiers’ “professionalism, discipline and operational precision,” and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to protect lives and property.
Uwa also called on residents to support ongoing security efforts, urging them to “continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies” to help dismantle remaining criminal elements in the region.