The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of the wife of a wanted terrorist kingpin during coordinated military operations across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing Defence Correspondents on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria between February 13 and 19, 2026.
According to him, the suspect, identified as Aisha Auta, was among 20 persons apprehended in various theatres of operation within the period under review.
Gen. Onoja revealed that Auta was arrested on February 19, 2026, by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
He noted that the arrest of the suspect, who is the spouse of a notorious terrorist ring leader currently on the wanted list, could provide crucial intelligence on terrorist financing and operational networks.
“In a notable encounter on 19 February 2026, following information about terrorist activities at Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, troops of Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at Abaji/Katsina Ala mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists,” Onoja said.
“During the fierce exchange, troops neutralised terrorists while others escaped with gunshot injuries and 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 terrorist ring leader whose capture is expected to yield valuable intelligence on network structures and financing.”
The defence spokesman stated that several arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation, while some fleeing suspects sustained gunshot wounds.
He added that the coordinated operations across different regions led to the arrest of 20 suspects in total within the week.
Military authorities believe the arrests have dealt a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in parts of the country.
In addition to the arrests, Onoja disclosed that troops successfully rescued 39 kidnapped victims during separate operations conducted within the same period.
He reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal elements nationwide.
Providing further updates, the general said that on February 16, 2026, soldiers on routine patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri road intercepted five suspects found in possession of ₦37 million.
According to him, the suspects claimed that the funds were meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of an international non-governmental organisation, Action Against Hunger.
He said the individuals and the cash remain in custody pending investigation.
“The suspects and the money are currently in custody as investigations continue to verify the legitimacy of the transaction and eliminate possible links to terror financing or diversion of aid,” he stated.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace across affected regions.
