- Troops Arrest Wife of Wanted Terrorist Kingpin in Nationwide Operations
- Rounds Up 20 Suspects, Rescues 39 Hostages in One Week
- Intercepts ₦37m on Maiduguri–Magumeri Road
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops arrested the wife of a wanted terrorist leader during coordinated nationwide military operations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing Defence Correspondents on activities conducted between 13 and 19 February 2026.
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According to him, Aisha Auta, identified as the spouse of a notorious terrorist kingpin, was among 20 suspects arrested across different theatres of operation during the period under review.
He said she was apprehended on 19 February 2026 by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Onoja stated that the arrest followed credible intelligence about terrorist activity in Kumeh village. Troops reportedly mobilised to the area, engaged the suspects in a firefight, and recovered weapons and ammunition after the encounter. He added that several terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds.
According to the defence spokesperson, the arrest of the suspect’s wife could provide valuable intelligence on terrorist networks and financing structures.
He also confirmed that troops rescued 39 kidnapped victims during the same period as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
In a separate incident, Onoja disclosed that soldiers on routine patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri road on 16 February 2026 intercepted five individuals in possession of ₦37 million in cash.
The suspects reportedly claimed the funds were meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of an international non-governmental organisation, Action Against Hunger.
The individuals and the money remain in custody pending investigation to determine the source and intended use of the funds, as well as to rule out possible links to terror financing or diversion of humanitarian aid.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the country.
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