Troops Arrest High-Profile Bandit In Taraba

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have captured a high-profile suspected bandit believed to be connected to the notorious gang led by wanted criminal Akiki Utivi, also known as “Full Fire.”

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Saawuan Wuaiyolna, of Tiv extraction, was arrested on Wednesday at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The development was disclosed by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, in a post on his X handle on Friday.

According to Makama, the arrest was carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Wukari, following credible intelligence on his movement.

The security expert stated that Wuaiyolna, who hails from Atereyange in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, was allegedly monitoring troops’ activities in Wukari to aid planned attacks and kidnappings by the gang.

He was also found in possession of a motorcycle, which he claimed he brought to sell in Wukari.

The military described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the fight against the “Full Fire” syndicate, which has been terrorising communities in parts of Taraba and Benue States.

HE added that the security situation in the area remains calm but unpredictable, while assuring that troops’ morale and operational efficiency are high.