Nigerian Army Arrests Wanted Bandit Kingpin In Benue–Taraba Border Operation
In a significant victory for regional security, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully apprehended a “notorious bandit leader linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery along the Benue–Taraba axis.” The high-stakes capture took place on December 21, 2025, during what military officials described as a “precision, intelligence-driven operation” conducted by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari at Vaase Community within the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspect, identified as Fidelis Gayama, has long been a primary focus for law enforcement and was confirmed to be a high-value target on the wanted list of various security agencies. According to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, “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.” This arrest follows a period of intense scrutiny by the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost, who verified that Gayama was among those previously declared wanted by the Beji Police Division.
Military authorities have confirmed that the legal process is already in motion to ensure the suspect faces the full weight of the law. As stated in the official report, “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.” This transition to civil authorities marks a critical step in dismantling the logistics and leadership of the criminal syndicates that have historically exploited the porous border regions between Benue and Taraba.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, expressed high praise for the tactical execution of the mission, labeling the arrest as “a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the area.” He specifically commended the soldiers’ “professionalism, discipline and operational precision,” while highlighting that the Brigade remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining offensive operations designed to protect the lives and property of innocent citizens throughout the sector.
Looking ahead, the military leadership emphasized that public cooperation remains the cornerstone of lasting peace in the region. Brigadier General Uwa called upon local residents to maintain their vigilance and support ongoing security efforts, urging them to “continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies” to assist in the effort to help dismantle remaining criminal elements in the region. This collaborative approach between the armed forces and the community is seen as vital for preventing the resurgence of banditry and ensuring the long-term safety of the Kente–Wukari corridor.
