Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade have arrested a notorious bandit identified as a key member of the gang led by the feared kingpin, Akiki Utivi, popularly known as “Full Fire.”
The suspect, 35-year-old Saawuan Wuaiyolna, of Tiv extraction, was apprehended on Wednesday at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Wukari.
Military authorities said the arrest followed credible intelligence on Wuaiyolna’s movements. He was allegedly monitoring troops’ operations in Wukari to aid planned attacks and kidnappings by the Full Fire syndicate.
Wuaiyolna, who hails from Atereyange in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, was also found with a motorcycle, which he claimed he had brought to Wukari for sale.
The Army described the operation as a “major breakthrough” in the ongoing crackdown on the Full Fire network, which has long terrorised communities across Taraba and Benue States.