Troops nab wanted notorious bandit kingpin in Benue

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian troops have arrested one Fidelis Gayama alleged to a” high-value” suspect who had long been on the wanted list of security agencies at Vaase Community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Gayama was arrested on December 21 during a precision, intelligence-driven operation by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, under the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Lieutenant Muhammad Umar, the spokesman for the 6 Brigade of Nigerian Army disclosed in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, Gayama is alleged to be responsible for multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents along the Benue – Taraba axis.

The Army spokesperson added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Dogo, a wanted armed group leader.

He added that Gayama is also 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.

Umar added that the Police officers at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state

“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,” according to the statement.

He quoted the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa as describing the the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the area.

Uwa commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and operational precision while reaffirming the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

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