Troops arrest terrorist kingpin in Kaduna hospital

Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in joint operations with operatives of the Department of State Services, have arrested a suspected terrorist, Auta Maikyala, in Kaduna State.

The suspect was apprehended on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at a medical facility in Kagarko Local Government Area, where he had gone to treat gunshot injuries suffered in a conflict with a rival criminal syndicate.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Captain Tamuno Sinivie, confirmed the arrest in an official press statement released on Friday.
Captain Sinivie stated that preliminary investigations linked the suspect to multiple criminal operations across the region.

“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”, Captain Sinivie.

He added that the suspect remains in custody undergoing investigation prior to prosecution.

In a related development in Zamfara State, ground forces conducted aggressive clearance operations across Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani, and Tunga Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area on November 5.

The operations led to the clearing of multiple terrorist enclaves, restricting criminal activities and restoring safety within the affected communities.

Similarly, the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force executed air strikes targeting hideouts associated with wanted terrorist leader Dogo Gide in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest, Maru Local Government Area.

The military revealed that terrorists had gathered in the forested areas to coordinate upcoming attacks before the air strikes were launched.

The military high command stated that troops continue to maintain dominance across the operational theater, urging citizens to assist security agencies with timely and actionable information.