From Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Troops of Forward Operating Base, FOB, Wukari, under 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army arrested a notorious bandit leader in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
A statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the bridge, Umar Muhammad, described the arrest of Fidelis Gayama as a major operational breakthrough for the army.
According to the statement, Gayama, a notorious bandit leader, was responsible for multiple kidnappings and armed robbery incidents along Benue-Taraba axis.
“The arrest was carried out on December 21 during a precision, intelligence driven operation at Vaase Community, Ukum Local Government Area.
“The operation, which resulted in the arrest of Gayama, a high value suspect long sought by security agencies, is one of the major breakthrough in our operations so far.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is closely linked to Aka Dogo, a wanted armed group leader that has been terrorising Benue and Taraba borders over the years.
“The suspect is also believed to be the ring-leader of a criminal network that has been terrorissing travellers and communities along Kente-Wukari Road and adjoining border areas between Benue and Taraba States.
“Further validation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among the individuals declared wanted by Gbeji Police Division, 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,” it stated.
The Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Kingsley Uwa, while commending the troops for their professionalism, discipline and operational precision, described the arrest as a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the area.
He reaffirmed the brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustain offensive operations and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The commander called on members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing security efforts in the state.
