- Wife of wanted terrorist leader arrested in Benue
- 20 terror suspects nabbed across multiple states
- 39 kidnapped victims rescued during operations
- Cash, drones, and logistics items recovered
Troops of the Nigerian military have arrested Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorist ring leader, during sustained counter-terrorism operations carried out across several theatres between February 13 and 19, 2026, military authorities have confirmed.
Aisha Auta was arrested on February 19, 2026, by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
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The Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during his weekly briefing on military operations across the country.
According to Onoja, the arrest of Auta’s wife is expected to provide valuable intelligence on terrorist network structures, logistics, and financing channels.
“Following credible intelligence on terrorist activities at Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke, mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists,” Onoja said.
He explained that during the encounter, several terrorists were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Troops later carried out exploitation of the area and recovered caches of arms and ammunition of different calibres.
“Overall, the operations led to the arrest of 11 terrorists, including Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorist ring leader, whose capture is expected to yield significant intelligence,” Onoja added.
The defence spokesman further revealed that a total of 39 kidnapped victims were rescued by troops during the same period across different theatres of operation.
In another development, Onoja disclosed that on February 16, 2026, troops on routine patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis intercepted five suspected individuals found with ₦37 million in cash.
The suspects claimed the money was meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of Action Against Hunger.
“The suspects and the recovered funds have been taken into custody for further verification to rule out any possible link to terrorist financing or diversion of humanitarian aid,” Onoja said.
He also revealed that on February 19, 2026, following intelligence on terrorist logistics movement, troops arrested one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula at Madagali Motor Park.
Items recovered from the suspect included two drones and 20 solar power banks, which are believed to be used for logistical support. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
