Troops capture key suspect linked to notorious ‘Full Fire’ gang

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected top-ranking member of the gang led by notorious wanted criminal, Akiki Utivi, widely known as “Full Fire.”

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The arrest, carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wukari, followed what sources described as reliable intelligence on the suspect’s movements.

“Wuaiyolna, who hails from Atereyange in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, was nabbed while allegedly monitoring troops’ activities in Wukari to facilitate planned attacks and kidnappings by the gang.

“He was also found with a motorcycle, which he claimed he brought to sell in Wukari,” the source said.

Military authorities hailed the operation as a significant blow to the “Full Fire” network, which has long terrorised communities in Taraba and Benue States.

They added that while the security situation remains “calm but unpredictable,” troops’ morale and combat readiness are still high.