Army Arrests Suspected Bandit Leader In Taraba

A suspected bandit leader, identified as Fidelis Gayama, has been arrested by troops of 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

He was alleged to be responsible for the multiple kidnappings and armed robbery incidents on the axis of Benue and Taraba States.

In a press statement issued to LEADERSHIP yesterday by the acting assistant director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade in Jalingo, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, he described the arrest of the suspect as a major operational breakthrough for the troops.

Muhammad said Gayama was an associate of Aka Dogo, a ring leader on the Army’s wanted list.

He said, “The arrest was carried out on 21st December, 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 suspect whom security agencies had long sought.

“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 on the Kente -Wukari Road and adjoining border areas of Benue and Taraba States.

“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, Ukum local government area,” Muhammad said.