Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a notorious bandit leader in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Umar Muhammad.
He described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against criminality in the region.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, is a high-value target long sought by security agencies for his alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis.
Lt.Muhammad said the arrest was carried out on Monday during a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted at Vaase Community in Ukum LGA.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader operating in the 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 troops, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, praised their professionalism, discipline and operational precision, describing the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks in the area.
Gen.Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the operational area. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts.
