Troops Arrest Wanted Notorious Bandit Leader In Benue

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a high-profile, notorious bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, who is alleged to be responsible for multiple kidnappings and armed robbery incidents along the axis of Benue and Taraba States.

In a statement on Monday in Jalingo by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the Army described the arrest as a major operational breakthrough for the troops.

Lt. Muhammad stated that Gayama is an associate of Aka Dogo, a bandit kingpin on the Army’s wanted list.

“The arrest was carried out on December 21, 2025, during a precision, intelligence-driven operation at Vaase Community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation resulted in the arrest of Fidelis Gayama, a high-value suspect who had been long sought by security agencies.

“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.

Muhammad said that further validation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is 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.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Taraba State and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the area.

While commending the troops for their professionalism, discipline and operational precision, the Brigade Commander reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The Commander further called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing security efforts.