The spouse of a notorious wanted terrorist kingpin, Aisha Auta, is among 20 suspects apprehended by troops during sustained and coordinated operations across various theatres between February 13 and 19, 2026.
Aisha was detained by personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State on February 19, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, revealed this during his weekly update on military activities nationwide.
Onoja stated that the arrest of Auta, Aisha’s husband, is anticipated to provide crucial intelligence on terrorist network structures and funding channels.
“In a notable encounter on 19 February 2026, following information about terrorist activities at Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, troops of Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at Abaji/Katsina Ala mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists.”
“During the fierce exchange, troops neutralised terrorists while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Troops subsequently exploited the general area and recovered caches of arms and ammunition of various calibres.
“Overall, these operations yielded significant outcomes, including the arrest of 11 terrorists, among them Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorists ring leader whose capture is expected to yield valuable intelligence on network structures and financing,” Onoja said.
The DMO added that 39 abducted victims were freed within the same period.
He further disclosed that on 16 February 2026, troops conducting routine offensive patrol along the Maiduguri-Magumeri axis intercepted five suspects found with ₦37 million, which they claimed was intended for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of an International NGO, Action Against Hunger.
“The individuals and the seized funds have been taken into custody for further verification and investigation to ascertain the legitimacy of the transaction and rule out any potential links to terrorist financing or aid diversion,” Onoja said.
He also noted that on 19 February 2026, acting on intelligence regarding the movement of terrorist supplies in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops apprehended one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula at Madagali Motor Park.
He said items retrieved from him included two drones and 20 solar power banks, adding that the suspect was taken into custody for necessary action.
Onoja explained that troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) continued to sustain pressure on Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements across the region throughout the week, effectively restricting terrorists’ freedom of movement and disrupting their operational activities.
In the same vein, he said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the Northwest concentrated on dismantling terrorist networks responsible for mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities across several states in the zone.
Onoja highlighted that the donation of 25 advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) by the Zamfara State Government on 18 February 2026 would strengthen operations in areas under Operation Fansan Yamma.
He conveyed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s gratitude to the Zamfara State Government for the support.
