Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected terrorist, Auta Maikyala, at a hospital in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where he sought medical attention for a gunshot wound.
The suspect was arrested on November 5 during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, November 6, 2026.
According to the statement, Maikyala sustained the gunshot injury during an encounter with a rival faction and subsequently visited the hospital for treatment.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is an alleged notorious criminal who has been involved in several attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling operations,” the statement said.
The military added that the suspect remained in custody for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops conducted clearance operations in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area on November 5.
The task force said the operations led to the clearance of several terrorist hideouts, restricting the activities of armed groups and improving security in the affected communities.
“The ongoing operations have resulted in the clearance of several terrorist hideouts, further restricting the activities of criminal elements and enhancing the security of residents in the affected communities,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Air Force also carried out air interdiction operations against locations suspected to be associated with wanted terrorist leader, Dogo Gide, in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sinivie said the air operations followed intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists were gathering in the area to plan and coordinate criminal activities.
“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorists were assembling in the area to plan and coordinate their criminal activities. Troops are currently maintaining dominance over the general area,” he added.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it would sustain military operations across its Joint Operations Area as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The task force also urged residents to provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying suspected terrorists and preventing attacks.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA will sustain its operational tempo and aggressive posture to fulfil its mandate of protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
