Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have arrested a suspected notorious terrorist in Kaduna State as security forces step up efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and clear their hideouts in Zamfara State.
The suspect, identified as Auta Maikyala, was apprehended on November 5, 2026, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Kagarko town, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Military authorities disclosed that the suspect was arrested at a hospital where he had reportedly gone for treatment of a gunshot injury sustained during a confrontation with a rival faction.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked Maikyala to several criminal activities, including attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
He is currently being held by security operatives for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a separate operation, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have intensified clearance exercises across parts of Zamfara State as part of efforts to eliminate terrorist groups and destroy their operational bases.
On November 5, troops carried out coordinated clearance operations in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji communities in Maradun Local Government Area.
The military said the operations led to the clearance of several terrorist hideouts, limiting the activities of criminal groups and improving security in the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force conducted air interdiction missions against suspected terrorist positions in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The November 5 air operations targeted locations believed to be associated with wanted terrorist leader Dogo Gide.
According to the military, the air strikes followed credible intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists had gathered in the locations to plan and coordinate their criminal operations.
Troops are currently maintaining operational control of the area to prevent the regrouping and movement of the suspected terrorists.
Operation Fansan Yamma called on members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspected terrorists and their activities.
