Army arrests suspected terrorist in Kaduna

The arrested suspect. Photo credit: Army

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 reportedly went to seek treatment for a gunshot wound.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday, November 6, 2026.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 1, working with operatives of the Department of State Services, arrested Maikyala on November 5 during an intelligence-led operation.

“The suspect was arrested at a hospital in Kagarko, where he had reportedly gone to seek medical attention for a gunshot wound sustained during an encounter with a rival faction,” the statement said.

It added that preliminary investigations linked the suspect to attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

“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, adding that he was in custody for further investigation and prosecution.

In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops carried out clearance operations in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area on November 5.

“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 military also disclosed that the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force carried out air interdiction operations against locations suspected to be associated with wanted terrorist kingpin, Dogo Gide, in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest, Maru Local Government Area of the state.

According to the statement, the operation followed intelligence indicating that terrorists were assembling 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,” it added.

The task force said it would sustain its operations across the Joint Operations Area, urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information on suspected terrorists and their activities.

“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.