Nigerian Army troops under Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested Fidelis Gayama, a suspected bandit leader believed to be behind a series of kidnappings and armed robberies along the Benue–Taraba axis.
Okay News reports that the suspect was picked up during an intelligence-led operation conducted on December 21 in Vaase community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Fidelis is regarded as a high-value target who had been on security watchlists for some time. Preliminary findings indicate that he is closely linked to a wanted armed group leader known as Dogo and is suspected to be a central figure in criminal activities along the Kente–Wukari road and nearby border communities.
Military authorities said the arrest has been confirmed by local police officers, who also listed the suspect among individuals declared wanted in the area. He is currently in military custody and will be transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Commending the troops, the brigade commander described the operation as a major setback for criminal networks and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.