Troops Arrest Wife of Most Wanted Terrorist, Seize N37m
The Nigerian military has detained the wife of a wanted terrorist leader and recovered ₦37 million in cash during a series of coordinated operations nationwide from February 13 to 19, 2026.
The suspect, identified as Aisha Auta, was captured on February 19 by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Her arrest was confirmed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, during a weekly briefing on ongoing military activities across the country.
According to Onoja, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence about terrorist activity in Kumeh village within Katsina-Ala LGA. Troops from Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed from the Abaji/Katsina-Ala axis, mobilized to the area and engaged the terrorists in a gunfight. Several insurgents were neutralized during the clash, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. A follow-up search of the area resulted in the recovery of various arms and ammunition.
In total, 11 suspected terrorists were arrested during the operation, including Aisha Auta. The military believes her arrest could provide vital intelligence about the structure and funding of the terrorist network led by her husband.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja also reported that troops rescued 39 kidnapped victims during separate operations within the same period.
In another development, soldiers on routine patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri road on February 16 intercepted five individuals found with ₦37 million in cash. The suspects claimed the money was meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of the international humanitarian organization, Action Against Hunger. However, both the suspects and the funds have been taken into custody pending investigation to verify the legitimacy of the claim and to determine whether there are any links to terrorist financing or diversion of aid.
Meanwhile, troops acting on intelligence about the movement of terrorist supplies arrested one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula on February 19 at Madagali Motor Park in Adamawa State. Items recovered from him included two drones and 20 solar power banks. He is currently in custody as investigations continue.
The Defence spokesperson further stated that the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, maintained pressure on Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), limiting their ability to operate freely and disrupting their activities across the region.
Similarly, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities across several states.
Onoja also revealed that the Zamfara State Government donated 25 advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers on February 18, 2026, to strengthen security operations under Operation Fansan Yamma. He conveyed the Chief of Defence Staff’s appreciation to the state government for their support.
