Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected notorious terrorist in Kaduna State while stepping up coordinated ground and air offensives against terrorist networks in Zamfara State.
The suspect, identified as Auta Maikyala, was arrested on November 5, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation carried out by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kagarko town, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at a hospital where he had reportedly gone to seek medical attention for a gunshot wound sustained during an encounter with a rival faction.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations indicated that Maikyala was allegedly involved in several criminal activities, including attacks on communities, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
“The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the sources said.
In a related development, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified clearance operations targeting terrorist hideouts in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
On the same day, troops launched offensive operations in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages, where several suspected terrorist hideouts were cleared.
The military said the operations were designed to dismantle criminal enclaves, restrict the movement of armed groups and deny terrorists safe havens within the operational area.
“The operations are aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, restricting the movement of armed groups and denying terrorists safe havens within the operational area,” military sources said.
Similarly, the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision air interdiction operations against suspected terrorist locations in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The locations were suspected to be associated with notorious terrorist kingpin, Dogo Gide.
Military sources said the air operations followed credible intelligence indicating that terrorists were gathering in the locations to plan and coordinate attacks.
“The air operations followed credible intelligence indicating that terrorists were assembling in the locations to plan and coordinate attacks,” the sources said.
They added that troops were maintaining dominance over the general area following the operations.
The latest developments underscore the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks across the North-West, particularly their leadership structures, logistical networks and operational hideouts.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has also called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
“The cooperation of residents through the provision of credible information remains vital to ongoing operations and efforts to prevent criminal elements from threatening lives and property,” the task force urged.
