By Stella Odueme
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected notorious terrorist in Kaduna State while intensifying clearance operations against terrorist groups in Zamfara State.
The suspect, identified as Auta Maikyala, was arrested on November 5, 2026, at a hospital in Kagarko town, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
Sinivie said the arrest was carried out by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), following intelligence reports.
He explained that the suspect had reportedly visited the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound sustained during an encounter with a rival faction.
Preliminary investigations, according to him, indicated that Maikyala had allegedly participated in several attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
He said the suspect was currently in custody for further investigation and prosecution.
In another development, Sinivie said troops had intensified clearance operations in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He noted that the operations, conducted on November 5, resulted in the clearance of several terrorist hideouts, restricting the activities of criminal groups and improving security in the affected communities.
The military also disclosed that the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force conducted air interdiction operations against suspected terrorist locations in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the air operations targeted locations believed to be associated with wanted terrorist kingpin, Dogo Gide, following intelligence that terrorists were assembling in the area to coordinate criminal activities.
Sinivie said troops were maintaining dominance over the general area, adding that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain its offensive operations to protect lives and property across the North-West.
He urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information on suspected terrorists and their activities to support ongoing military operations.